Rossi seeking to confirm test improvements at 'fantastic' Mugello

Valentino Rossi arrives at his home Italian MotoGP at Mugello just 19th in the world championship, having scored nine points from his five races as a Petronas Yamaha rider.

The Doctor at least took his best finish so far with eleventh in the hectic Le Mans flag-to-flag race, but believes the mixed weather conditions during the French weekend prevented him from confirming improvements found at the previous Jerez Test.

That quest will now continue at Mugello, where Rossi delighted the local fans by winning seven races in a row from 2002-2008 and last stood on the podium in 2018.

"I was able to fight for better positions and be within the top-ten at Le Mans, but we suffered in the mixed conditions on Sunday. I felt better with the bike as well, so it was a shame it was a confusing race like that," Rossi said.

"Hopefully the weather will be more consistent this weekend at Mugello and we will be able to confirm the improvements from the Jerez Test.

"It is a fantastic track and fortunately I have many good memories there. It is always special so I’m really looking forward to being there next, although it is a shame that there will be no fans at the circuit because they are always great there and give us a lot of support.

"It is always nice to see them in the grandstands. It is a great track, the Italian Grand Prix so we just look forward to being there."

As is now traditional for the Italian rounds, Rossi is expected to unveil a special helmet design on Saturday morning.