Multiple MotoGP riders including World Champion Marc Marquez and Valentino Rossi were delighted with the new Silverstone track after the British circuit enjoyed its first day of MotoGP track action since being resurfaced.

Following on from last year’s washout, the British circuit resurfaced the track in a bid to avoid a repeat of 2018.

Company Tarmac, resurfaced the track in June just after eighteen months after the last re-surfacing, after consultation with Italian company Dromo.

Following the first day of free practice, multiple riders spoke glowingly about the new surface.

“We should congratulate the organisers because last year we spoke harshly about the asphalt here, but today we can confirm they’ve done an incredible job,” said reigning World Champion Marc Marquez, who brushed off an afternoon crash.

“Right from this morning, the bike felt really good. There are bumps, but nothing out of the ordinary, not like last year when it was more like a MX track.”

Valentino Rossi said that the massive reduction of bumps is the biggest improvement compared to last year.

“The new asphalt has good grip but the biggest difference is a lot less bumps, said Rossi.

“You can push more and ride the bike more at the limit. You can use the perfect line because in the past Silverstone was very, very bumpy. So it's good.

“Compared to last year it’s 75% less. So considering this the situation is a lot, lot better.”

Fabio Quartararo was the fastest man on Friday, and the Frenchman was very complimentary over the condition of the track, even if this is his first time around the circuit in MotoGP.

“I think the track is amazing,” he said. “Through certain turns, you feel the bumps, but it’s nothing compared to last year. There’s good grip and they’ve done an excellent job. The final corner is the worst in terms of bumps, but there are some a turns one, six and sixteen too, but that’s no different to any track.”

Maverick Vinales was another of the riders who was full of praise for the new surface, even if they couldn’t remove all of the bumps.

“I think the new surface is much better, we are riding much faster, said Vinales.

“The bumps are nearly all gone. There are just a couple in the last sector, but the rest of the track is really good.”