It was a positive weekend for the Movistar Yamaha outfit with riders Maverick Viñales and Valentino Rossi finishing second and third respectively at the 12th round of the MotoGP World Championship in Great Britain.

Viñales displayed strong pace throughout the race, challenging eventual winner Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) for the lead, falling just 0.114s shy as they crossed the line.

“I think we did a good job,” said Viñales. “This weekend we came back, feeling strong again and that’s the positive point, especially during the last part of the race, during which we weren’t really strong before.

“I was catching Dovi on the last lap and trying my best. I set one of my best laps on the last one, so I gave it everything to catch him, but honestly, today, second place was the best we could do.”

Rossi, who made his 300th grand prix start in the premier class, was just a fraction behind his teammate in the thrilling 20-lap race to take a well-earned third after leading much of the opening stages.

“I’m satisfied because it was a great race for me,” Rossie expressed. “I was able to ride really well after a great start and I stayed in front and rode on the limit without making mistakes, so I enjoyed it a lot for 17 laps.

“I think this is a good way to celebrate my 300th race in MotoGP’s premier class. There remains a bit of frustration, because I knew on the last laps I would suffer a bit with the degradation of the rear tyre, but I think this weekend we improved a lot.”

Viñales and Rossi are currently sat third and fourth respectively in the series standings as the MotoGP World Championship heads to Italy on 10 September for the 13th stop on the calendar.