However, with a good base found for the bike and saying last time out he was starting to get that "sweet feeling" on the factory Honda again this season, the number 93 will definitely be gunning for the podium.

But after another positive day of testing at Misano and points to play with, could Silverstone finally bring us what we've been waiting for - a Viñales-Marquez showdown?

"Step by step, we’ve been able to find a good base for our bike and this is very good, as one of my goals is to always be there at the front and be very consistent at all tracks and in all conditions." Said the Spaniard

"Of course we’ll try for the same at Silverstone, a circuit that I like, though we know it will be a challenging round as our opponents are usually very strong there."

"Last year we did a good job during the weekend and only on race day we probably didn’t make the perfect choice with the front tyre." He added "This year we’ll try and do everything to be able to fight for the podium again."+

source: motogp.com

The Aspar Team and Karel Abraham will continue together in 2018, it has been announced.

The Czech rider will contest his second season with the Spanish outfit after showing a high level of performance already in 2017, with a great run of form including top tens, a front row start and appearances in Q2.

Abraham rode the Ducati GP15 to his career best result at Assen, where he crossed the line in seventh.

“For the Aspar Team it is a source of satisfaction to renew with Karel Abraham." Said Jorge Martínez Aspar General Manager "When we signed him last year we felt he could do a good job but the results he have achieved have been a very positive surprise."

"He has done much better than we expected, right from preseason, and as the races have gone by he has continued to improve and achieve great results. We think we can continue to improve with him in the future."

"It is a simple choice, he is happy with the team and we are happy with him, so we are going to continue in the same way and chase even bigger goals.”    

Karel Abraham added: “I am very happy to have re-signed with the Aspar Team and to continue with the same group of people is very important to me."

"I am very happy, I am already looking forward to a new challenge next season but right now I need to concentrate on the rest of this season, which is the most important."

"As I said, I am very happy, but we have to focus on the here and now." concluded the Czech rider

Yamaha Tech 3 rider Johann Zarco was back in the battle in Austria, taking another top five finish and crossing the line as top Yamaha in his continued charge towards taking the Rookie of the Year title.

Now the paddock heads for Silverstone, which is another happy hunting ground for Zarco in the past.

A podium in the 125cc World Championship is where the Frenchman's good record begins, with further front rows and good pace in Moto2 - including a win in 2015 and a pole position the year before.

So it's looking good ahead of the weekend, with Zarco geared up for another thriller and hopeful his pace will translate in the premier class.

"Silverstone is a very fast track and I am happy to go there after the solid and rewarding weekend that we had in Austria." Said the Frenchman

"I have a high level of motivation again so my target is to fight with the top guys and to collect as many points as possible for the championship."

"In the past, I have been competitive at Silverstone in Moto2, so I hope I will feel good on my Yamaha MotoGP bike." He added

"I am sure that I will be confident and I aim to manage the tyres as well as I can in order to have a strong race and then finish close to the front."

The first year of the new contract, 2019, will also mark 20 years since the venue first joined the MotoGP calendar in 1999, and the venue has since hosted some of the most pivotal races in the modern era - including reigning Champion Marc Marquez' title victory last season.

With another five years confirmed after the end of the current agreement in 2018, the track will happily remain one of the jewels in the MotoGP calendar.

"This year represents a milestone as the Twin Ring Motegi celebrates its 20th anniversary.  It is our honor and we, as the organizer, are very pleased to be able to announce the renew of the contract of the MotoGP Japanese GP on such a special occasion." Said Susumu Yamashita, President of Mobilityland Corp

"We feel to host the Japanese GP is very important; not just for the all the MotoGP fans coming to see the event but also it is valuable for all the manufactures involved. The environment that surrounds us remains severe, but we believe providing the stage stably would be sure to contribute the development of motorcycle sporting culture."

"We sincerely appreciate Dorna Sports’ kind understanding of the importance of having the event in Japan, and appreciate their strong support in having renewed the contract." He added

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO Dorna Sports said "We are delighted to announce this contract renewal with a place that is celebrating its 20th anniversary."

"The Twin Ring Motegi is the home track of Honda and the Japanese GP is the home Grand Prix for major manufacturers such as Yamaha and Suzuki, who are main players in MotoGP class; some of the most important at the pinnacle of the Championship."

"We will continue the event and make further efforts, together with Mobilityland, to enhance the value of the MotoGP series." Concluded Ezpeleta