Source: Supplied.

Multi-time MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi believes the 2017 championship is still wide open as the prestigious series heads into the second half following a four-week break.

Rossi currently sits fourth in the series standings, however’s he’s only 10 points shy of championship leader Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda) as nine rounds remain.

“I’ve rested during these holidays,” said Rossi. “I’ve passed a lot of time with my friends, but I returned to training and preparing myself as soon as possible and I feel good.

“I trained at the gym and on the bike, but now I want to go back to my M1 and work together with my team. The championship is still wide open and we will have to work hard to be always on the podium.”

The Italian expressed his liking for the Brno circuit that will host the weekend’s 10th round, stating a fast pace will be crucial from the first session.

“Brno’s is a track I really like,” he continued. “I have a lot of good memories of this circuit and I hope I can make it another nice race this weekend. It will be important to be quick from the first session.”