The final time Valentino Rossi raced a Yamaha at Sepang, he won.
That had been in the 2010 MotoGP competition (pictured), towards the end of his very first ‘chapter’ at Yamaha, after which Rossi endured two winless periods at Ducati.
The Italian superstar returned to the M1 this 12 months, and returned to the top action of the podium at Assen, one of five rostrums therefore far.
Because well 2010, Rossi has celebrated Sepang victories in 2001, 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2008 – making him the many successful rider at the circuit.
“The Sepang circuit is a track that I like a great deal, I’ve had many great victories here,” said seven time MotoGP champion Rossi, presently fourth in the globe championship with four rounds to get.
“I believe it matches the Yamaha rather well. It’s extremely demanding physically because it’s very hot, but it’s additionally a great track and challenge as a result of this.
“I want to attempt to make a great weekend and work difficult on the set-up to show up competitively for the competition on Sunday.”
Rossi joined up with his MotoGP competitors for six times of formal screening at Sepang in February, completing 3rd and fourth correspondingly.
But the M1 has been significant modified since – not minimum the introduction of a seamless change gearbox.
“In Sepang we did two tests earlier in the period, as the various other groups, but in the meantime the bikes have actually changed a great deal,” confirmed staff manager Massimo Meregalli. “Having great climate and great conditions will be crucial.
“It’s additionally crucial not to make errors because the races are three in a row, as well as the points that we can gather are numerous. We anticipate to enhance also much more, to do better, with both cyclists [Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo]. We are prepared for these three crucial months.”
Because well as the great memories for Rossi, Sepang had been additionally the scene of his darkest job minute, the demise of great buddy Marco Simoncelli during the 2011 competition.