The venue of the US GP – Circuit of the Americas – is a magnificent circuit with many special features, including the longest straight of the year and an unequalled 20 corners per lap. But a new feature this year was less popular with riders: major bumps.

Both Repsol Honda riders made the point after the first session, with four-times winner Marc Marquez saying: “The track has changed a lot from last year.”

Team-mate Dani Pedrosa went further. “There are a few points where the bumps are huge, in the braking points. On the back straight it’s like the whoop section in motocross.”

Red Bull track signage, Grand Prix Of The Americas, 2017
Marquez, Grand Prix Of The Americas, 2017