Rossi: Most difficult, technical track of the season

Having broken a ten-race podium drought last time in Argentina, Valentino Rossi arrives in Austin eager for more silverware at 'the most difficult and technical track' of the MotoGP season.

COTA has more corners than any other circuit on the calendar, many of them closely interlinked, plus a 1.2km back straight, big elevation changes and unsettling bumps.

Marc Marquez and Honda have never been beaten at COTA since its 2013 debut, but Rossi has stood on the podium twice (2015 and 2017) and was fourth last season.

“It was a great emotion to stand on the podium again in Argentina, after such a long wait for me, the team, and also the fans. But now we need to focus on the next Grand Prix," Rossi said.

"We know that Austin is a tricky track. Maybe it‘s the most difficult and technical track of the MotoGP season, but in the previous years it wasn‘t so bad for me.

"In the last few years I felt good, and though I didn‘t arrive on the podium last year, I did in 2017. So, we have to do it like we did then: work well, ride well, follow the right direction, and then we'll see.”

Rossi is currently third in the world championship, ten points from Ducati's Andrea Dovizioso and 14 from Marquez.

“Our team and riders always enjoy the American GP. Not only are the people here very supportive, but COTA is also a great place to show your skills, as it‘s one of the more complicated tracks," added Yamaha team director Massimo Meregalli.

"Whilst traditionally the circuit's lay-out wasn‘t quite well-suited for our Yamaha, in recent years our riders have both scored good results. If we start the weekend well and keep working in the right direction, we will be in contention for top finishes, which is our goal here."