MotoGP: Rossi tops Brno test with new carbon forks

Valentino Rossi has topped a day of testing at the Brno circuit following last weekend’s Czech Grand Prix, deposing Marc Marquez from the top spot with his fastest lap of the day coming as the last of the 51 he completed right as the chequered flag came out at the end of the eight hours of track action.

And, speaking after the end of the test, he admitted that new components, including new carbon fibre forks from suspension manufacturers Ohlins, made a significant difference to the bike’s turning for him. He also tested a new variation on Yamaha’s aerodynamic fairing, but elected not to use it for his end of the day time attack.

I’m so happy, because it’s been a long time since I was able to be in the first position on a Monday. I don’t usually like the Monday tests, they are a difficult part of my work. It’s important because we finished a good weekend with a good performance. Being in first position is always a good feeling. Between all the things we tried, we tried the fairing that was good.

“I have a good feeling, but that depends on the track, I don’t think that for example at a track like Austria this fairing will be very important. I’m happy. I like the fork, because it helps in the change of direction and the bike is easier and lighter, so it’s a good option.”

It was also a good day for teammate Maverick Viñales, who came home third overall, only 0.2 down on Rossi – although he admitted afterwards that he didn’t take the same benefits from the new components as the other side of the Movistar Yamaha garage did.

“We were trying to get more acceleration, which is really important in Austria to get a good lap time. We improved and I feel happy again on the bike, I’m riding really good. We also tried many things with the electronics that we improved, so I’m quite happy.

“The carbon front forks from Öhlins feel much lighter, but anyway the effect wasn’t the one we wanted. We’ll try it again in Austria and let’s see how we do there. We didn’t try the two new front Michelin tyres, we wanted to keep the momentum going with this tyre and keep the best feeling for Austria.”