Valentino Rossi was quick to follow Lorenzo's lead and spent a productive day testing, completing 60 laps to compare various parts and details. The Italian held a solid pace throughout the day, being the only other rider besides his teammate to drop into the 1'55s with a 1'55.765s, and finished in second place holding a 0.383s advantage over his closest rival.
"At the beginning of the day it was very difficult, because the track was dry but very dirty," Rossi explained. "The lap times were also quite slow but after, when some other riders also entered the track, it started to clean the circuit and at the end it was a very good test day for me personally because we tried different things, especially different chassis and swingarms and I like them.
"Now we have to speak and understand when we can start the use, but in general it has been a positive test and I was always quite strong with a good pace. At the end, during the time attack, I did a 1'55.7, that is fast, so it was a very good day and I enjoyed it. We had two new front tyres from Michelin, but unfortunately these are for next year. These tyres are very good, I like them and I improved my lap time and also the feeling. After that we worked a bit on the software and made a small improvement, but at the end it was OK."
Massimo Meregalli - Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Team Director - added, "Today was a very important test as we were able to evaluate the direction we're working towards. The day started slow, but has been very positive overall. Jorge and Vale were able to make enough laps to compare and contrast some new chassis, swingarms and two front tyres from Michelin that were brought here to test.
"We also tested and updated software with good feedback. The engineers will collect the data to prepare the next steps. It's been a busy two weeks, the team and the riders have earned a small break so we will be ready to attack at Silverstone in a fortnight's time."
