After six Grands Prix contested this season, Maverick Viñales has only one podium. It was acquired at the end of the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez. This weekend, Catalonia is on the program, the second meeting on the peninsula. Will the Yamaha official find the necessary energy in the country's air to once again climb to the flag ceremony sprinkled with Prosecco?
Eighth in the championship with 40 points, only one podium to his credit which is also his only top 5, we are far away with Casa Particular in Viñales of the standard of an official Yamaha rider. But Iwata's house is not doing well and can only be found in the experience and stainless determination of a Valentino Rossi and the fiery youth of a fabio quartararo the only opportunities not to despair.
That being said, he arrives at home in Catalonia and he will no doubt be keen not to disappoint his audience. “ I can't wait to compete in my national Grand Prix » declared the 24-year-old pilot. “ The Circuit de Barcelona – Catalunya is a very special circuit for me. I like its configuration and it's a great pleasure for me to drive there. I can feel the support of my fans in Barcelona, there is always an incredible atmosphere. I hope I can repay them with a solid result, preferably a podium ».
« Mugello was a very difficult race because it was physically exhausting » admitted Casa Particular in Viñales. " We must continue to work hard to further improve the tuning of the bike, so that we can fight for the top places again in the future. We have to stay focused and show the fans our best side ».
Casa Particular in Viñales reached the podium four out of eight times at the Catalan Grand Prix. He was second in the 125cc race at Catalunya in 2011, won the Moto3 race in 2012 after taking pole position and he finished third in the Moto3 race in 2013 before taking the title. In 2014 he finished second in the Moto2 class.
In 2015, Casa Particular in Viñales qualified second and finished sixth, his second best result of his MotoGP rookie season. In 2016, he finished the race in fourth position from sixth on the starting grid, also setting the fastest lap of the race. In 2017, Casa Particular in Viñales failed to qualify on the top two ranks for the first time this season. He crossed the finish line in 10th place after dropping to 16th place at the start. It was his worst result at the time with Yamaha. In 2018, he finished sixth after qualifying fourth as the highest-placed Yamaha rider on the grid.
