Valentino Rossi returns to motorcycle training in Portimao. First training session of the year on two wheels, still on the track over the weekend.
The countdown to the first begins MotoGP tests of 2023 scheduled at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia, where the riders will find high temperatures associated with high levels of humidity. But for a few weeks now they have returned to training at full capacity, both in the gym and on bikes and motorbikes, to be better prepared. But among those who have taken to the track with two wheels these days there is also an exceptional ex: Valentino Rossi.
There VR46 Riders Academy she trained on the Portimao track for two days. The last preseason test will also be held on this track in March on 11 – 12 March, then the first stage of the season will take place from 24 to 26 March. A non-random choice that of the Tavullia group directed by Valentino Rossi and Alessio Salucci, being able to count on the mild temperatures offered by the Iberian Peninsula in the middle of winter. The 43-year-old nine-time world champion did not miss the opportunity to get back on the bike for his first training session on two wheels in 2023.
Valentino Rossi from Portimao to Bathurst
In addition to the Doctor, his pupils Pecco Bagnaia, Franco Morbidelli, Luca Marini, Marco Bezzecchi, Celestino Vietti and Andrea Migno (Alex Gramigni also present) took action on the Portuguese track. Valentino Rossi mounted his bike Yamaha R1 GYTR VR46 Tribute that Yamaha had given him after his farewell to the premier class. “Back on two wheels in the wonderful Portimao with our boys, the motorcycle season is officially open“said the nine-time motorcycle world champion.
It seems that the reigning Ducati champion scored the best “private” time, I’m sorry Bagnaia, with his Panigale V4S, clocking an excellent 1’43″286. “A drum roll for you, V4S“, exclaimed the rider from Chivasso enthusiastically. Suffice it to say that in November 2021 Pecco took pole position in 1’38″725, but with much higher temperatures and with certainly better grip due to the rubber coating of the asphalt. Instead in these days the temperatures have never exceeded 15°C.
Next weekend Valentino Rossi will be busy, for the first outing of the season with the BMW M Team WRT, in Bathurst, Australia. The team, led by principal Vincent Vosse, will compete in the classic endurance race of the Bathurst 12 Hours on the Mount Panorama circuit, at the wheel of the BMW M4 GT3. In his team there will also be Augusto Farfus and Maxime Martin.
