Rossi not so confident over wet race prospects

Valentino Rossi says a repeat of last year’s wet race at Sepang is a distinct possibility, although the Yamaha rider is not as confident about his prospects in the rain compared to 2016.

Rossi finished as the runner-up in Malaysia last season behind Andrea Dovizioso and arrives at Sepang in fine form after battling his way to second place at Phillip Island, where he returned to the MotoGP podium for the first time since Silverstone.

The Italian expects a mix of conditions over the weekend and has stressed the importance of being prepared for all outcomes.

“It looks like the bad weather, like all this season, follows us everywhere and also last year it was a difficult weekend because there was always a lot of rain and dry,” Rossi said.

“With the temperature, the track can also be dry very quick, so we will try to be competitive in all the conditions. In the wet this year I am not very strong like last year; last year was a great race, similar to Phillip Island, we fight a lot and we hope to be strong.

“We arrive here in a good shape but it’s completely different here; I like a lot this track, I think I was on 250 when we raced here the first time and it’s very wide and very fast – it’s a great pleasure to ride here, especially with the MotoGP.”

Rossi overcame a broken leg to make his comeback at Aragon and the 38-year-old said he worked extra hard during his recovery with the demanding run of three successive flyaway races in mind, which come to an end this weekend at Sepang.

“I worked very strong after my injury, not only for Aragon but also because I know that three races in a row is very heavy for the body,” he said.

“I think this race is the most demanding of all the season because it is very hot, so we will see – I hope to be in a good shape.”