For the second and final time this season, the MotoGP World Championship will head to a new venue this weekend, when Aragon in Spain hosts round 13.
Reigning seven time MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi missed out on the previous new event - at Silverstone - due to a broken leg, and is especially looking forward to the new Aragon challenge after getting a taste of what the circuit has to offer on a road bike.
"Last week I rode an R1 at the track and I really like it," said the Italian. "It's quite complicated but it's a lot of fun and it's fast, so I think it will be a real test. I think the best bit is the entry to turn 16 and I am looking forward to riding my M1 there."
Aragon will also be the first event since the death of Shoya Tomizawa, killed in the Moto2 race at Misano.
"Misano was a very sad weekend for our sport but now we're looking forward to a new race and we are hoping for a good weekend for everyone in memory of Tomizawa," said Rossi.
"I am feeling stronger and fitter every day so I will be aiming for the podium again this time."
"It's exciting to be heading to a new place and of course after Misano it will be very interesting to see Valentino's progress on his way to recovery," added Rossi's Fiat Yamaha team manager Davide Brivio. "It's a fantastic track. We went to see it last Wednesday and Valentino had the chance to learn it; he liked it a lot. It's very technical, fun to ride and for sure all the riders will enjoy the new challenge."
Rossi is joint fourth in the championship with Casey Stoner and only nine points behind third placed Andrea Dovizioso.
The last time Rossi raced on a new grand prix circuit was at Indianapolis in 2008, a race he won from pole.
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