Strong Sachsenring in sight for Yamaha

Rossi and Viñales are looking to strengthen their Championship position as they hit the mid-point of the season in Germany

Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) and teammate Maverick Viñales were both in contention for a race victory in Assen’s incredible race, with both riders now looking to have a strong weekend at the Pramac Motorrad Grand Prix Deutschland.

Rossi remains second in the Championship table after crossing the line fifth at the Dutch GP, arriving at a circuit he has nine podiums at, including four victories. However, the Italian finished nearly 15 seconds behind Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) last season at the Sachsenring and is hoping for a better weekend this season.

“Assen was an incredible race, so I really want to get back on track again. I don't know if we can repeat a race like that at the Sachsenring, but we'll try to do everything to be at the front with the top riders. Last year's German GP was not a very positive weekend for us, so it will be very important to understand our potential this weekend,” explained the ‘Doctor’, who remains confident of a good result before the short summer break.

“We will have to work hard, starting from the first practice session on Friday, to get ready for the race, but I'm confident. I feel good and my team are working really well. The race at the Sachsenring is the last race before the short MotoGP summer break, so we want to do our best to make it a good battle on Sunday, to end the first half of the season in a good way.”

Meanwhile, Viñales stood on the rostrum for the first time since the Americas GP at Assen and returns to a circuit he’s sprayed the champagne at twice before. “I'm really looking forward to arriving at the Sachsenring. I think we are getting the bike ready and we're starting to see everything in a very positive way, allowing us to end the first half of the season properly. We have to fight to get as many points as possible to stay at the top of the championship,” explained the number 25.

The Spaniard sits third in the Championship, six points behind his teammate and explains how the Dutch GP podium gave him “extra motivation” for the rest of the season. Fortunately, in Assen I felt very comfortable on the bike again and I had the same good feelings I've had in the past. The podium was like a breath of fresh air and has given me extra motivation to keep at it with all my strength and give 100%, as always. Last year at the Sachsenring I finished just off the podium with a fourth position, so this year we'll give our all to get back on the podium and continue on the good path we're on.”

Will the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP riders be able to close down Marquez in the Championship this weekend? Find out when they head out for FP1 at 09:55 local time (GMT +2).