MotoGP’s grid is divided about the state of COTA’s surface at Austin with Honda riders saying it is a bit of a nightmare while the factory Yamaha men seem to be taking it in their stride.

Maverick Vinales doesn’t seem at all perturbed by parts of the circuit which yesterday Dani Pedrosa described as ‘motocross whoops’.

“I feel good over the bumps. But I was feeling good also last year. Maybe it's a bit my riding style. But anyway, the bike is really stable in all the corners. Even in the braking,” said the championship leader.

“I'm happy for that. I feel safe on the bike. I didn't go over the limit at anywhere on the track. This is important to feel like that when there are many bumps.”

Marquez believes there is more work to do for the RC213V men as he thinks the Yamaha is coping better.

“We had some problems with the front confidence and also to absorb the bumps. It looks like the Yamaha bikes – already in Argentina but also here – are really good at absorbing the bumps. It is really stable while the Hondas are moving a lot.vWe need to work there to try to understand why.”

Britain’s Scott Redding has said it is like being on a bucking bronco, fitting for an event labelled ‘Horsepower Rodeo’.

"This morning I was first out and my feet came off the 'pegs twice. Once on the straight and once going into turn three because the bumps were just shaking me off. The bumps are really bad here. We haven't got another track this bad.

"We had bumps here before, but every year it's getting worse and it's lifting the rider out of the seat. Sometimes taking the bike off the ground. We need to see if they can improve that for next time.”