With the best time achieved during each of the three test sessions organized in Valencia, Sepang and Phillip Island, the new Yamaha rider hit the headlines, to say the least. With 17 Grand Prix victories including one in MotoGP (and 4 in Moto2, 8 in Moto3 and 4 in 125), Jorge Lorenzo's replacement returned with a bang not only to the big leagues, but even to that of the favorites.
“Obviously hearing this gives me extra motivation, believes Vinales. Finding that my opponents see me as a potential candidate without having done a single race with Yamaha means that they are supposed to see great potential in me. I can't wait to start the season.
What do you expect from your relationship with Valentino?
“We never had any problems together. We'll see what happens on the track. I want to win. I hope that we maintain the respect that exists between us and that it stays that way until our paths part.
“I watch what he does and how he does it. Valentino works very calmly and I think that's one of his secrets. He sometimes doesn't try many things, but what he tests, he tests thoroughly. He makes sure to choose what is good and throw away what is not useful. I trust everything he does.
How is your Yamaha? Do you think you should evolve with it?
“There is a lot to improve, both on my part and on certain parts of the bike, such as braking. I think this aspect should be improved to be able to challenge for victory in the last lap. Especially against Marc or Valentino, who are very good on the brakes. In this area we must be strong. During the pre-season we focus on working towards the last ten laps of the race, where in my opinion we can make a difference. Our bike is fast, no doubt about that, but we have to learn how to maintain tire grip throughout the race, and finding the right pace is essential.
What is the difference between the Suzuki and the Yamaha?
They are completely different. The Suzuki allows you to turn very well and reach the apex very quickly. The Yamaha is a bike you need to be less aggressive with. But I want to be able to concentrate on the last part of the race, and if I want to be competitive there, the bike has to be aggressive and able to brake late, which is very important. Regardless, the Yamaha is an incredible motorcycle.
Do you want to change the character of the Yamaha, or adapt to its characteristics?
“I had to change a little, yes. Basically don't be so aggressive. With the Yamaha you have to be much more precise. I am happy that in this regard I quickly adapted to the bike, but also to the team, which is also very important. There was nothing about the Yamaha that slowed me down when riding. At the end of the day, it's a motorcycle, and all you have to do is understand what it takes to go fast with it. I think my riding has always been known for being good at accelerating, and in that sense the Yamaha is at a high level.
You mentioned the “last ride” several times. Do you think many races this year will be decided there?
“It will be important. When you are at home calmly analyzing your opponents, you realize that most drivers focus on this part. Marc, for example, does a lot of laps and race simulations. His pace is very good. I admit that this is something that took me by surprise. It is therefore important to have a fast lap, but also to keep pace throughout the entire race. I think the basis of our pre-season work must be directed so that the tires arrive in the best possible condition at the end. »
Photo © Yamaha
Source: Manuel Pecino for Solomoto
