Valentino Rossi believes the switch to a standard-spec electronics package next season is a step backwards after the Italian got his first taste of the ECU at Valencia.

Next season will see MotoGP revert to Michelin tyres for the first time since 2008 and although Rossi sees the problems that poses, he feels the switch to a standard electronics package – supplied by Dorna – is a greater issue.

“It is a big change,” he said of the whole changing process. “It will be interesting for sure, especially the tyres will be a great, great difference for next year. A lot change but especially change the setting and the weight distribution of the bike.

“We tried the new electronic and also that – I expect – it is quite a big step because it’s like we go a little bit more in the past. But also that can be interesting and it is just the first day so we have a lot of work to do.

“I tried the new electronic for next year and it will be a big problem. I mean, it is like we make a jump back into the past. It is like 2008 or 2009 with this.

“The higher the level of the bike, the better it is for me so this is a clear step back. At the beginning you are a little bit angry at the bike because you say ‘fuck, it don’t work!’ but on the other side, it can be good for the race because it will be a lot more difficult to make always the same lap because the bike is more difficult to ride.”

Rossi applauded the new Michelin tyres – he was one of the (what seems like few) riders not to fall off his motorcycle in Valencia today – and like most he agrees the issues are mostly with the front.

“The rear is very similar (to the Bridgestone), but Michelin’s is very good – very good,” said Rossi. “The front is the big difference, so we need to understand how much weight, how much load need for this tyre to turn at the maximum. This was something we almost understand with the Bridgestone and now we have to restart from zero.”

The Italian used both the bike he has used all year and next year’s machine during the first Valencia test and despite Yamaha’s modifications, such as moving the fuel tank to the rear of the 2016 bike, Rossi has not yet worked out if or where there are advantages.

“We have the 2015 bike, we have the 2016 bike, we try to make some comparison but you know, we need time,” he said. “The chassis, some sizes and the weight distribution are different on the bikes but the electronic will be the big difference.

“I just tried two or three times (the 2016 motorcycle). For me, it can be a little bit better in braking but sincerely today, very similar.”