Source: Supplied.

Multi-time MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi believes the current field of riders is much stronger than previous years as the series returns to racing this weekend in Argentina.

Rossi, who finished second to teammate Maverick Viñales at the 2017 Argentinian grand prix, acknowledges it will be a difficult task to repeat the results of last year, however he’s confident in performing strongly come this Sunday.

“Last year we were very strong in Argentina,” Rossi explained. “We came first and second and I think it was the best race of our team that season. But since then the balance of the rider field has changed – our rivals are stronger now. It will be a hard fight, but I like the track and usually our bike works well there. It could be a surprising weekend, but I hope to be strong.”

After lodging a third place finish at the opening round in Qatar, the Italian is primed for a promising weekend ahead, and potentially a return to the top step of the podium.