Movistar Yamaha’s Valentino Rossi believes the lack of grip at Phillip Island for this weekend’s MotoGP round is normal as the track surface - new last year - has a year’s worth of wear and tear.

Laptimes are currently two seconds off the best seen in 2013 which some top riders are blaming on harder-compound Bridgestones brought in to make sure there is no repeat of last year’s disaster which saw riders have to change bikes before the end of the race.

“I am happy about the work of Bridgestone because the tyre have more resistance and from the bike is a less scary feeling. For sure we lose a little bit of grip but this is normal because the asphalt has a lot less grip compared to last year as it was brand new. Now is more used and this is more natural. Always in Phillip Island you slide and spin, is more fun,” said The Doctor, speaking at Phillip Island.

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