Movistar Yamaha Bank First and Third Row in Brno

Qualifying

Movistar Yamaha MotoGP's Valentino Rossi scored a front row position today in a hot qualifying session, ahead of tomorrow's Monster Energy Grand Prix Rossi had already shown he was comfortable on his Yamaha YZR-M1 in the morning practice session and felt he was up to the task to challenge his rivals for a position on the front row. The Doctor left pit lane mid-field and quickly found a good place on track to start his first flying lap, claiming fourth on his first attempt. Unable to improve on his second try, he returned to the box with six and a half minutes remaining.

He was pushed down to fifth place, but this was short-lived, as Jorge Lorenzo's time was cancelled due to exceeding track limits. One and a half minutes later, Rossi was back out for his second run and, as many riders flashed red sectors, the nine-time World Champion responded brilliantly. He set a 1'55.073s, 0.092s from pole, on his third time attack, and will start tomorrow's race from second place on the front row.

Valentino Rossi

Position: 2nd - Time: 1'55.073 - Laps 7

"Today I tried to brake later and open the throttle early. I already felt good on the first run, but the first lap is always a bit difficult. I knew I had a good potential and on the second run I was in the right position, with clear track in front, and I rode well. I was able to push without making any mistakes. It's a shame for the pole, because we were close, but the second place is a very good result and front row is a good place to start the race from tomorrow."

Massimo Meregalli

Movistar Yamaha MotoGP - Team Director

"Starting from first row is always a vital component to having a good race weekend. Valentino was feeling very comfortable on his bike in FP3 and FP4 and he again showed his pace in Q2. His first run was already competitive but, with clear track ahead of him, he really got up to speed on the second outing and came very close to the pole with a 1'55.073s lap”.