Nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi still believes his Movistar Yamaha YZR-M1 still lacks the straightline speed of his MotoGP competitors but says the flowing nature of Argentina’s Rio Honda track should suit.

After making some mistakes early in last year’s race, Rossi was able to set a good pace in the second half to score fourth place and so far this year, improvements to his bike have been enough for him to lead the championship chase by a point from Andrea Dovizioso.

“On paper, this track is better for the M1. Last year was a good weekend, I wasn’t able to arrive on the podium because I did some mistakes in the early laps but my pace in the second half was good, so we have to start from that,” said Rossi, speaking at the track.

“The end of last year was good, we improve a lot the bike, the braking and the exit from the corner. We tried to find different ways in the winter test but unfortunately it didn’t work, I was never strong enough but for Qatar we put together the package.

“After two races it look like the M1 make an improvement. We are still a little bit too slow in the straight, but apart from that the bike is good to ride. The target is try to be more competitive than last year and fight for the podium every weekend.”