Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP head to Spain

After a very difficult Mugello race weekend, Valentino Rossi is keen to return to the front of the rider field. He currently holds fifth place in the standings and will resume his championship battle in Barcelona.

The Doctor heads to Catalunya Spain with hopes to secure victory image

The Doctor holds an impressive 13-year podium streak at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya that lasted from 1997 to 2009, spread out over various classes (MotoGP, 500cc, 250cc and 125cc). He has secured the victory at the Montmeló track ten times in total, seven of which while competing in the premier class (2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009 and 2016). He scored five second places in 2003, 2007, 2008, 2014 and 2015, and in 2000 and last year he also added third places to his tally.

"Surely it will be another challenging weekend in Spain, because we were not very competitive last time round, and we need to work hard." said Valentino "The Doctor" Rossi.

In the last round at the Gran Premio d‘Italia Oakley in Mugello Italy, Valentino Rossi was fortunately unharmed but unable to continue after an unlucky fall on lap 7. Viñales was able to ride back from a provisional 12th to take sixth place at the chequered flag.

Maverick Viñales is also looking forward to the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya, especially since it‘s his home GP. He previously achieved four consecutive podium finishes there in the lower classes, with a second place in 125cc (2011), a first and third place in the Moto3 championship (2012 and 2013 respectively), and a second position in Moto2 (2014). He is yet to climb onto the MotoGP rostrum in Barcelona but would like nothing better than to greet his fans from the steps of the podium.

The Doctor heads to Catalunya Spain with hopes to secure victory image

Though the previous rounds demanded considerable effort from the Spaniard, he is feeling 100% fit. He holds eighth place in the championship rankings and is up for the challenge to climb back up the order.

Work to create the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya began in 1989. Two years later, the track was opened, and it soon became a crowd favourite after hosting its first MotoGP race in 1992. With an exciting 4.6km lay-out consisting of 14 corners (six left, eight right), the Catalan round is known as one of the most atmospheric and thrilling races on the calendar.