Valentino Rossi explains why he loses out at the starts

After dropping form 17th to 19th on the opening lap of the restarted Styrian MotoGP, Valentino Rossi was eventually able to salvage a few points for 13th place.

"Unfortunately, I lost some positions in the first laps, but after my pace was not too bad. I was able to ride in a decent way," said the Petronas Yamaha rider.

"For sure, this track is not the best for the Yamaha because here it’s very important the acceleration and the top speed, the two things where we suffer a bit. So at the end, it's a not-so-bad result."

Having also lost four places on the opening lap in Germany, then a massive nine places in Assen, Rossi was pressed on why he has recently been struggling so much at the starts.

The Doctor revealed that his electronic launch control is still in need of adjustment following the addition of a front holeshot device.

"We have the start device also in the front in the last races, like the other bikes. But the problem for me is with this [front holeshot] system, we have to modify the electronics, and it was a bit of a problem," he said.

"I don’t feel comfortable so I lose in the start both times, Assen especially but also Sachsenring. Usually, I start well before this modification. So, for this race we worked and we improved but we still are not at 100%.

"After, the other problem is that in the first lap for sure everybody is very, very aggressive. And when you are in the pack with all the other bikes that are faster on the straight, it’s difficult to don’t lose any position, because you try to brake hard but anyway you have already the other guy at your side. For this reason, it’s not easy now in the first lap for us."

The Italian, who announced he will retire from MotoGP at the end of this season on the eve of the Styrian weekend, is now spending a few days at home before this weekend's Red Bull Ring sequel.

"It’s good to be at home for three days to train and prepare for the next round in Austria," he said. "We now need to look at how we can improve, primarily with the settings of the bike, try some small things with it and work to be stronger this weekend.

"The target will be to work well in the sessions and try to get a better position on the grid. Then on Sunday we will try to improve the start, have a good pace again and take some points. I would also like to be able to fight for the top-ten."

Cal Crutchlow will again be alongside Rossi, as Franco Morbidelli continues his recovery from knee surgery.