During this post-race press conference of the Argentine Grand Prix which also brought together Valentino Rossi and Cal Crutchlow, Maverick Vinales answered three questions.
As usual, in order to avoid any abusive journalistic interpretation, we offer you a “raw” translation of all of Maverick Vinales' comments, without any formatting.
Maverick, same result as in Qatar but a very difficult race…
“A difficult race, very difficult. I started in sixth position and the start wasn't bad. I found my way to pass the drivers as quickly as I could and eventually I got behind Cal who is very difficult to overtake. Cal is a really good brakeman. Then, when I overtook Cal, I thought I had to catch Marc because he was going very fast. I pushed 100% and then just tried to ride at my own pace. The pace I had during the warm up, I took the same. The same laps almost all the time, and Cal was always behind (laughs). It was a very difficult race to escape but I am very happy. It's like being in a dream, so incredible. So I have to thank the team, they did a very good job, we worked a lot behind, in the box, so it's not only my victory but also that of the team. They were great during these two races and we felt strong from the start on Friday, from the first laps and that's very important. So for the next races, I think we have to continue like this, the team is very motivated, I am also motivated and Yamaha is currently performing very well. Race after race, I feel strong, of which I am very happy with these two consecutive victories, and that is very good. »
You've already been asked if you talk into your headset. What did you say to yourself today?
“Today I thought a lot about the bike. A lot of thought about how to use the maps to try to preserve the tire in case someone comes from behind. And in case I need to attack a little more. But in the end, I read the race very well and the team did a very good job on the wall all the time giving me the right information, so I was really calm. Today I had a lot of fun, and riding this bike is truly incredible. When I crossed the finish line on the last lap, it was extraordinary, an extraordinary feeling. The whole team did a great job all the time, so I'm happy to be here in first place. »
The next race takes place in Texas, where Marc Márquez is very strong. There could be a fight...
“I know, I know that Marc is really strong there, but it's also one of my favorite circuits and one of the circuits where I'm the fastest. So we're going to try to go there with the same mentality as here and make good adjustments. We already know we have a competitive bike and we just have to figure out how to go fast. I think it is possible and we will work hard. As I said, Texas is a very good track for me, I always had a very good feeling there with these changes of direction, these fast turns and the hard braking. I think I'm confident we can get a good result there. »
Last year you left the Argentine Grand Prix crying. If we told you that a year later you would win, would you have believed it?
“No, if someone had told me that I was going to win in Argentina, I would have said that it was almost impossible, because I have always had bad luck in Argentina since in the three races that I I did, I fell there twice. So it was difficult. Honestly, it was a difficult race but, you know, we're in a good period, I feel good, the bike is there and I can give 100%. When I can drive the way I want, I can achieve a good result. Like I said, we're like a dream with these two consecutive victories right from the start of this season in my first year with Yamaha: it's incredible. And I have to thank the team because they did a good job. Also guiding me before the race and preparing me for the race, it's a good way to start the season. »
With the trials going so well, when did you start to believe this would all be possible? Before getting on the Yamaha?
"No, it's hard to believe you're going to start like that." In the lead throughout the off-season, then two consecutive victories gives us great motivation. We must continue on this path to keep this motivation and work very hard again. We know we have a good bike but we can improve. Austin is a good track for us, I think we can improve our bike a lot, so we will try to work and try to take another step to be more competitive. »
