Valentino Rossi’s MotoGP crew chief Silvano Galbusera says the Yamaha rider is in a much better place to begin the 2017 season that he was at the start of last year and is completely focused on winning the title - but is under no illusions as to how hard it will be.
Galbusera is of the opinion his charge was distracted at the beginning of 2016 by the war with Marquez and wasn’t fully relaxed as the season began but 2017 will be a different game.
“I see him pumped and motivated, ready to go. In 2016 he was preoccupied, the tests reassured him but he was not as relaxed as normal,” said Galbusera.
“He knew he had to be careful, that every little incident with Marquez would be amplified. He could not allow anything to happen. But now he returns with one sole objective: to beat everyone. It’s a tall order, this season will be hard.”