Austin return brings ‘positive feeling’ for Rossi after 2019 podium

Scoreless in his last three rounds, Valentino Rossi is hoping for improved fortunes as MotoGP returns to America. 

After the MotoGP of the Americas was cancelled in 2020 due to Covid-19, this weekend’s return to Texas marks just the second non European race since the pandemic began.

It’s also a return to Rossi’s penultimate podium venue (as it stands) after claiming second place in 2019. 

The nine-time world champion was eventually bettered by Alex Rins on that day, a day which also saw Marc Marquez’ 100% winning streak at COTA come to an end after crashing whilst leading.  

Speaking ahead of the weekend, Rossi added: "I really like Austin and the last time we raced there, it was a great weekend for me. 

"I was very strong in both Qualifying and the race, and I finished on the podium. 

"We will see what happens when we get there but it is really nice that we are able to have this overseas event this season and I am really looking forward to being back there, after being unable to be there last year. 

"We will need to get there to understand what our potential can be, but I’m feeling positive and hopefully we can improve some of the things that we need to, so that we can have a good race."

Austin could provide Rossi’s best chance at a final top ten finish before retiring at the end of the season based on previous results at Misano, Portimao and Valencia which all follow the American race.