In a radiant first day of the Argentine Grand Prix for Hondas monopolizing the top of the table, there was a blue motorcycle which invited itself into the head to head of the Tokyo firm among the top 5. This one was a Suzuki was driven by a Maverick Viñales as sparkling as in Qatar. Third in the middle of five RC213Vs, he nevertheless regretted a fall without which he could have done even better.
Maverick Viñales is definitely making a thunderous start to the season that convincing winter tests foreshadowed. On a Termas de Rio Honda track with precarious grip, he made the most of it with a GRX-RR equipped with the 2015 chassis and full seamless transmission. Result, a third position and a fall, but also good intentions for a continuation which could be combined with a bitumen that does not forgive the slightest deviation in trajectory. “ if you are not on the right line, you deviate and you fall » commented the 21-year-old Spaniard. “ It was the mistake I made at turn 3; I went a little wide in a turn and the track was dirty where I passed. It was a small fall and with these conditions it was very easy to make a mistake ».
No problem, but still a frustration that says a lot about his ambitions: “ I wasn't focused enough on that lap. When I returned to the track I was more careful and ultimately lost time. Without that, I think I could have finished second. I blame myself a little » he said on crash.net. “ The Hondas are efficient and they have always behaved well here. We are good and we can evolve. The track will also change so that everyone can still progress ". Realistic is the Maverick who is a little worried about the rain forecast for qualifying: “ the weather forecast is uncertain and it will be essential to know what the grip will be in the event of rain ". By this I mean that it risks being worse than on dry tarmac which is already not very welcoming.
But all these adventures will bring us to a Sunday race where, for once, the track should be cleaned, and therefore even different! “ We will see on Sunday but unlike Qatar, here, there are several solutions to overtake. The choice of tires will be crucial. Soft is always better a priori but I want to check because last year I remember that Valentino took hard and that was the solution. We will have to be attentive to what happens after the tenth lap. We will see ».
With a third place and an eighth position, the Suzukis are both selected for the moment to compete directly in Q.2 which is decisive for the top of the starting grid. A relief especially for a Aleix Espargaró who, despite two falls, swears he has regained his confidence.
