Rider: Valentino Rossi Team: Movistar Yamaha YZR-M1 Winner: Spanish and Catalan GPs

YAMAHA NEED TO FIX the M1 chassis and electronics if Rossi is to challenge for the 2017 title. The factory was supposed to have an easier time with 2016’s technical change; because the M1 is a more neutral motorcycle than Honda’s RCV. However, as is often the case in bike racing, the reality turned out to be different.

Yamaha struggled throughout 2016 to find a decent traction balance. If they loaded the front to increase front grip, they struggled with wheelspin. And if they increased rear load, they suffered a catastrophic loss of front grip. That’s why Rossi crashed out of three races.

Both Rossi’s 2016 races came in hot temperatures, at Jerez and Catalunya, where his smooth, intelligent riding found a way around Yamaha’s problems. But he was in big trouble when conditions cooled at places like Assen and the Sachsenring.

Rossi’s 2017 chances Rossi’s chances depend largely on Yamaha crunching the numbers to come up with a bike that gets the best out of the latest Michelin tyres.