De Anna Port / Motosan.es
Maverick Viñales (January 12, 1995, Figueres, Barcelona) completes his fifth season in MotoGP and his third with Monster Energy Yamaha, after riding for Suzuki Ecstar in 2015 and 2016. Under the Hamamatsu brand, he took his first victory in the premier class , a feat that will never be forgotten. It also put an end to the desert crossing of this factory, which had not won since 2007 with Chris Vermeulen.
In his new phase with Yamaha, he managed to mature as a rider, and was twice third in the standings at the end of the season. In addition, he managed to add between 5 to 7 podiums to his record each season. This potential means that he has already competed against Marc Márquez, the rider to beat in MotoGP, and, in 2020, if the Japanese firm provides him with what he needs, he could be one of the contenders for the title of world champion.
You rode in 125cc and Moto3. What’s the biggest difference you’ve noticed?
“The biggest difference between the 125 and Moto3 is that the 125 was a very selective bike, not many riders were going fast. Moto3 further equalizes the level of all riders. »
What is your fondest memory of your Moto3 title? And what was the most important factor when you moved up to the Moto2 category?
“What I remember most is the last corner at Valencia. I remember when I started the straight, I said to myself: “please don’t stop!” Please move forward! », so that we get it. When I crossed the finish line, it was a flood of emotions. A unique feeling that I aim to achieve here in MotoGP. Moto2 is a category that prepares you very well for MotoGP: the level is so similar that the smallest detail makes a big difference. »
Rins also made his debut at Suzuki and in 2019 he achieved great things as you can see they are making great progress. Do you think that in 2020 they will be able to achieve more than two victories?
“Well, the truth is that I am very focused on my work, on myself. I don't look beyond my team and improve every little detail. »
Your move to Yamaha was a small qualitative leap. But did you feel a certain dizziness when you changed brands, knowing that you were comfortable with Suzuki? How did you cope at the time?
“I wasn't afraid at all, the steps must be clear and I have never regretted anything: I always move forward. I faced it with a smile and with a great desire to continue progressing. »
It's clear that the issues you and your brand colleagues are making are making it difficult to consistently stay ahead of the curve. Do you think 2020 can be better than 2019, at least for you?
“It will definitely be better than 2019 because we have improved and I have improved in many ways. I feel stronger than ever. »
Fabio Quartararo was the revelation of last year, even on a satellite Yamaha. What do you think of its potential?
“Fabio is a fast driver.”
It seems certain that you are one of the young drivers on the grid, those of the “new generation”, who are talked about a lot and who can face Marc Marquez. Remembering what happened in Australia, how did you handle the final laps when Marc was studying you to overtake you?
“I managed it as best I could, waiting to launch an attack in the last corners. I had to try. I couldn't take second place. This spirit has shown that we have what it takes to fight and cope. We will try to improve all the weak points to be stronger in 2020.”
Do you think that more duels like this will take place, ending better for you, of course, in 2020? What are you asking of Yamaha to make this happen?
“Actually, I would love to have more duels. It's fun, I enjoyed Phillip Island and those fight moments are awesome. We ask Yamaha for a little more speed and starts. (We have a lot of homework to do). »
Now that both Márquez brothers are on the same team, do you think Álex will quickly learn from Marc's advice?
“It’s hard to say, I’m not in his place. Álex is a fast rider and with Marc's help he will understand the Honda. »
Jerez has been a big challenge for Yamaha in recent years. How did the tests go before the holidays? And at what stage of preparation for the new bike will you arrive at Sepang next February?
“In Jerez I enjoyed it like never before: the bike was working very well. We worked a lot on race pace and I was able to do some very fast laps. There is still a long way to go, as we are halfway to having a Yamaha ready to win the title, so we have a lot of homework and tasks to complete during testing. I'm very focused on the present, which is my goal to make the most of this year, from start to finish. »
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