During this post-race conference of the British Grand Prix which also brought together Andrea Dovizioso (see conference here) and Valentino Rossi, Maverick Vinales answered various questions from journalists.
As usual, in order to avoid any abusive journalistic interpretation, we offer you a “raw” translation of the entirety of the words of Maverick Vinales , without any formatting.
Maverick Vinales : “I think (that taking a soft rear tire) was not a gamble. We worked very hard with the soft tire all weekend to try to increase its lifespan. Honestly, I was very comfortable on the bike and during the first laps I just tried to save my tires, and it was quite hard when Márquez and Dovi overtook me because I knew my point strong was at the end, during the last 10 laps. That's just what I did, I tried to save the tires and I pushed 100% for the last five laps. It was quite scary when Marc broke his engine because I didn't know if there was oil or water. So I lost a lot compared to Valentino and Dovizioso in this braking and they escaped a little. But we were able to overcome them and fight for the victory. So I'm very happy that I felt strong again during the last laps, as always, and the bike worked well. So I'm happy about all of this. »
The heat did not bother the Yamahas…
“We have made a lot of progress in Misano, particularly in electronics. But we still have to improve because the opponents are very good, especially when it's hot. So we still have a lot of work to do but we are closer with each race. I'm happy and proud of the team because we did a really good job this weekend and we have to continue like this. We must not forget that there are other tires than the hard one, and that they can work, as they did today. »
As Dovizioso said, everything can change in every race and the championship is fantastic…
“Yes, definitely. This race was difficult, because there were five of us drivers doing the same times until the end, so it was very difficult to be strong and to be consistent because it is also a demanding track. It's a shame that I lost so much when Marc broke his engine, but regardless, I'm happy. We came back stronger again. We did a good job in Misano and we can recover some good points there. »
This is the first double podium for Yamaha since Argentina. This is probably due to the tests you did in Misano. You say that you worked on the electronics but did you also work on the balance of the bike?
“Misano, we worked a lot on electronics. This was an area where we were really lacking. We suffered in Austria so we looked to improve that in Misano with high temperatures. And we did it. We didn't dedicate ourselves to changing everything and trying to fix and modify everything, because we had already changed a lot without finding the slightest advantage. So we just tried to improve the electronics and improve the consistency of the tire. I think what we did this weekend was very good and very good to drive quickly again. So we have to continue like this, and maybe it would be positive if we take another step forward like we did in Misano. »
The championship is very close. Can you make any predictions?
“Six races is a lot of points. We are quite close and, in particular, five drivers are very close in the championship. So we have to try to work very hard like we did this weekend, and like I said we have to try to improve the bike because the other manufacturers really improved during the summer break and it seemed like we suffered a little more. But now we come back and I know that when our bike works we can be very strong. What we need to do: With only six races to go, we need to be stronger and fight in every race. »
Valentino was the fastest at the start of the race with a hard rear tire and you were the fastest at the end of the race with a soft rear tire. How do you explain that ?
“As Valentino said, we have different riding styles, different ways of entering the corners. And during this weekend I really felt very good with the tender. Even when it was worn out, I felt very strong and so I followed my impression. We discussed the tire choice a lot with the team and compared it again during the warm up. The soft was very good for me, and although it seemed very soft, I felt very strong in the last part of the race. It seems that our bike, especially with my riding style and a soft rear tire, is working like at the start of the season, and we have to keep in mind that this race maybe one of the keys to be really strong in the next ones. »
During the race, were you thinking about the championship or did you enjoy fighting with your opponents?
" It was good ! I didn't feel the pressure of the championship, I just tried to be relaxed, to enjoy the race and the fight. It was good to set very good times throughout the race and to attack at the end to try to get the victory. So it was a really good race and in particular I really enjoyed the last few laps. »
Is this the most exciting championship of your career?
“For sure, yes! It's very close and there were five drivers fighting throughout the race. »
Honestly, what was your reaction when you saw that Marc was out of the race, and how did you manage the race afterwards?
“I saw the liquid get on my face. Honestly, I got quite worried because I didn't know if there was oil or water, so I braked maybe 30 meters earlier than usual, and I lost a lot compared to Valentino and Dovi. But I was glad that maybe it was water or the oil wasn't touching my wheel, because that would have been a big disaster. »
