In the official box Yamaha , it is nothing to say that we could not display the serenity of a balanced overall result. His best driver in the championship, Valentino Rossi was in fact only fourteenth while its other representative, Maverick Vinales, played the leader of the ranking. A performance due to a certain appetite for the Bugatti circuit on the part of the Spaniard. The latter does not deny it, but he also warns…
Maverick Vinales finished Friday at Le Mans with the best time, thus confirming that the Sarthe track was one of his favorites like that of his Yamaha. However, to summarize his performance with this simple equation would be a mistake: “ the good thing is that the next track on the calendar is Mugello, which also suits me very well. These are two places where I really enjoy riding, and where the bike always handles very well. But whatever the track, we took a step forward in Jerez in FP4, then in testing? These are small things, but overall they will help us throughout the weekend " did he declare.
« I think we can repeat this speed – with the feeling I have on the bike – on several other circuits, if nothing changes. The bike now looks more consistent. We found a little more stability in the test sessions, which also allowed me to improve my riding style, because I can concentrate on this point », specifies the satisfied Yamaha factory rider. Where has he made the biggest improvement? “ We changed the balance slightly to make me feel better, more aggressive and to make the tires work better ».
So, Casa Particular in Viñales has he rediscovered the feeling he had with Le Mans two years ago? “ This circuit is always really good for me. I have a very good feeling and I can really use the bike. I wish it was true on all tracks », he smiles. “ I don't know why, but I have a lot of confidence here. In Jerez too, the feeling was good, we were only missing two or three tenths. Here we can close the gap a little, also with my riding style. But we still need to improve – the Yamaha and I are not in great shape yet » admitted the 24-year-old Spaniard.
Rain could be an additional challenge on Saturday: “ it was only partly wet in Austin, but we were in the lead. Rain is all about feeling – and Valencia made me feel good at the end of last season. If I feel good on Saturday, I can also show good things. We will try to be strong from the start » finishes the fastest of the day.
️ @ mvkoficial12 fastest from @marcmarquez93, @FabioQ20 in crucial FP2
With the weather set to play a part in FP3, the second Free Practice session was vital as big-name riders finish outside the top ten#MotoGP | #FrenchGP 📰 https://t.co/TldnuVMUGh pic.twitter.com/4SmgLDS9l7
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) May 17, 2019
French Grand Prix Le Mans MotoGP J1: cumulative times
1. Vinales, Yamaha, 1:31,428 min
2. Marquez, Honda, + 0.190 sec
3. Quartararo, Yamaha, +0.285
4. Lorenzo, Honda, +0.288
5. Dovizioso, Ducati, +0.308
6. Petrucci, Ducati, + 0 471
7. Pol Espargaró, KTM, +0 495
8. Aleix Espargaró, Aprilia, + 0,704
9. Nakagami, Honda, +0,775
10th Miller, Ducati, +0,810
11th Morbidelli, Yamaha, + 0,811
12th Crutchlow, Honda, +0,842
13. Bagnaia, Ducati, + 0,857
14. Rossi, Yamaha, +0,892
15. Mir, Suzuki, +0,894
16. Rins, Suzuki, + 0,957
17. Zarco, KTM, +1,146
18. Abraham, Ducati, +1.571
19 Iannone, Aprilia, + 1 713
20. Oliveira, KTM, +1.973
21. Rabat, Ducati, + 2.003
22. Syahrin, KTM, +2.475
