MotoGP news

Rossi aims victory Down Under

The Australian Grand Prix marks the start of an unusual season finale for Valentino Rossi, who enters the final three races of a campaign without any possibility of winning the world title for the first time in his career. The Italian remains philosophical about his current situation and highly motivated for his eleventh visit to Phillip Island, where he has stood on the podium on no fewer than nine occasions in all classes - including his first title-clinching victory for Yamaha in 2004.

"Our championship is over but we still want to win and find a way to finish the season in a good way," said Rossi. "Japan was very disappointing but we had a good test on the Monday after the race and we found some things that we hope will help us for the final three races. Phillip Island is one of my favourite tracks, I've won there many times and I have some great memories of it, especially winning my first championship with Yamaha there in 2004.

"I am determined to have a good race there. It's an especially important race because many of my mechanics are Australian so for them it's their home race. I love the track and Phillip Island is a special place; I'm really looking forward to this race. It's a pity that we couldn't keep the championship alive a bit longer but we have no pressure now, we will just take it race by race and try to win all three."

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