Rossi Motivated To Conquer Aragon's Most Challenging Circuit

Valentino Rossi (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Valentino Rossi entered the Motorland Aragon Circuit into the list of the most challenging tracks on the MotoGP calendar despite tasting the podium there several times.

The Aragon Grand Prix has been on the MotoGP calendar since 2010 and since then the nine-time world champion has been on the podium three times, securing a third place finish in the premier class in 2013, 2015 and 2016.

Rossi certainly wants to forget the tragedy of the French Grand Prix last weekend where he collapsed on the first lap, extending the streak of failing to finish in the last three races that sent the Italian rider thrown to 13th place in the standings with 57 points from Fabio Quartararo at the top.

"After the race at Le Mans the team came to the Motorland circuit for two consecutive races. This has always been a difficult track for me, so it will be challenging to be strong here," Rossi said as quoted by Antara , Thursday, October 15.

"But, this year I was fast enough, and I have a good feeling with this bike. So we will work hard again and try to understand if we can also increase our level of performance at Aragon."

Team director Massimo Meregalli admitted the 5.1 km circuit located in the city of Alcaniz, a few hours from Barcelona, has not been friendly to the strength of Yamaha motorcycles in recent years.

Yamaha has only won twice at Aragon through the appearance of Jorge Lorenzo in 2014 and 2015.

"From past experience we know this doesn't match the strength of our bikes, so the next two series will be challenging.

"But we are 100 percent committed to fighting for the top spot, also eyeing the championship standings," said Meregalli. With five Grand Prix left, we have to do our best, as always.

"Vale is not the biggest fan of this circuit, but his pace has been very strong this year. He has been on the podium three times at Aragon before, and his motivation to return to the pulpit is very high.

Meanwhile, The Doctor's teammate, Maverick Vinales is currently in fourth place in the standings with a distance of 19 points from the top.

The Spaniard has also climbed the podium at the circuit near his hometown three times, finishing third in 2011 in the 125cc class, runner-up in 2013 in the Moto3 class and winning in 2014 in the Moto2 class.