Factory Yamaha MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi said that seeing team-mate Maverick Vinales win Yamaha’s first race in 25, despite anticipating being strong himself in Phillip Island.

Whilst Vinales went on to win Yamaha’s first race since Rossi won in Assen last year, Rossi failed to take advantage of the strong Yamaha showing and only came home in sixth position, losing out to Alex Rins on the final lap.

“It’s a good day for Yamaha because it was a long, long time that Yamaha didn’t win,” said the 39-year-old.

“This is positive but we need to continue to work. From my side I have had a lot of times on these types of problems so we need to understand why and understand the way to improve.

“I felt good already with the hard tyre from yesterday and I was more worried about the front, also this morning.

“But also from warm-up I had less grip from the rear and I already was sliding a lot so I tried to ride gentle and smooth but unfortunately in the last two laps I was in too much trouble.”

The Italian believes that his team-mate benefitted from a different riding style which saw him drive under acceleration rather than spin.

“We have some differences because our styles are a bit different,” he said.

“The problem is under acceleration we spin a bit too much but Maverick is able to have more drive, even if he spins he accelerates. Especially this weekend as he always arrived very well and is able to have less problems.

“We tried but sincerely I didn’t expect it, I expected to be stronger.”