From the Motegi, mass is said. Marc Márquez is the new MotoGP World Champion and has five victories with his Honda before arriving at Phillip Island scheduled for this weekend. The morale of the opponents has taken a hit, starting with Rossi who no longer hesitates to describe his season as the worst ever experienced.
The Doctor has refined his diagnosis with the mention “ On paper » the message is strong. And we don't really know who it is aimed at. To himself or to Yamaha, or both: “ We now go to Phillip Island, a track where we tested this winter. Unfortunately, this time we are presenting ourselves after a bad season, the worst experienced on paper. It's a bad thing to have left Motegi without a single point, but the positive thing is that we showed that we are competitive ».
The 2016 Japanese Grand Prix will leave a bitter taste for Yamaha. The brand had no official driver present at the finish, with only Pol Espargaro 6th, Katsuyuki Nakasuga 11th, and Bradley Smith 13th saving the honor. Never has such a situation occurred since the 2011 Australian Grand Prix. Jorge Lorenzo et Ben Spies were unable to participate in the race due to injuries.
Now, here is Australia which is a priori a good host country: Valentino Rossi is the most successful driver at Phillip Island. The Italian has scored eight victories there. Two in 250cc, one in 500cc and six in MotoGP from 2001 to 2005 then in 2014, ahead Jorge Lorenzo. Added to this series are five other podiums with two second places in 2008 and 2009 and four third positions in 2006, 2007, 2010 and 2013.
« Phillip Island is a fantastic track, a place I really like” Vale confirms. “We'll have to try to be just as quick there. Hopefully the weather isn't too bad because the track can be dangerous when it's cold ". A weather forecast also feared by Michelin.
Valentino Rossi will play during the last three Grands Prix of the year for his place of second in the championship against Lorenzo who is currently ahead of 14 points.
