Movistar Yamaha's Valentino Rossi believes that reigning MotoGP champ Marc Marquez and Andrea Dovizoso are on the same level ahead of this weekend's Termas round in Argentina but the Italian might have a slight edge.
The Doctor admits that after a poor 2017, his squad are not yet on a par with Honda and Ducati but is hoping the good feeling from the start of last year will return quickly.
“For me, the riders to beat are Dovizioso and Marquez, maybe more Dovizioso… but I put them on the same level because Marquez always has the ability to be strong. I’m happy with my own first race, but we’re not at their level yet," said Rossi.
"Last year we lost the 'good' of our bike; we were left with the flaws. Now, we still have some flaws but we’ve found the positives. In 2017 Maverick and I finished third and fifth; we can do more. We can, at least, try to fight.
"Last year we were very strong in Argentina. We came first and second and I think it was the best race of our team that season. But since then the balance of the rider field has changed - our rivals are stronger now.
"It will be a hard fight, but I like the track and usually our bike works well there. It could be a surprising weekend, but I hope to be strong."