Valentino Rossi says he knew he would have a good chance of a podium finish in the Australian Grand Prix after morning warm-up, despite having to start 15th. After a disastrous Saturday in mixed conditions resulted in the Italian’s worst qualifying showing since 2011, Rossi was immediately on the pace in Sunday morning’s warm-up, setting the second best time. That laid the foundation for a strong race performance, as Rossi quickly moved up the order, settling into second place once leader Marc Marquez crashed out on lap 10. While he had no answer to the victorious Cal Crutchlow, Rossi said his warm-up pace gave him belief that a podium finish was in reach in spite of his lowly grid...
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