Valentino Rossi says he had so little grip on the left side of his rear Michelin in today’s Motegi MotoGP that is was like riding on ice before he eventually crashed and his hopes of a tenth world title followed him into the gravel trap.
Rossi, and team-mate Maverick Vinales, have struggled with rear grip all year and the wet conditions in Japan exacerbated the issues. The Doctor said he is in some pain after the spill but hasn’t done any further damage to his still-broken leg in his second tumble of the weekend.
"It was a big crash this time. Also yesterday, but today more. Today at turn seven, yesterday at turn eight. It was a highside again. I was behind Espargaro and tried to not give up because I can keep his pace, but on the left I have zero grip. It was like riding on ice,” said Rossi, speaking at the track.
"With the constant throttle on the rear, it was very fast. When I realised what was happening I was already flying through the air. So very lucky that the leg is okay. I have pain everywhere. But not a lot, so this is good."
Check back tomorrow for analysis of Yamaha’s grip problems in 2017
