Maverick Vinales had high hopes for this Japanese Grand Prix. Unfortunately, all his efforts were for nothing on Saturday in Motegi. However, his qualifications allowed him to dream, in addition to being in perfect agreement with his words yesterday. He who thought he could take the bike to the top came in third. : a front row on a circuit that doesn't suit the Aprilia, you have to do it. But, during the race, yet another technical problem coupled with a lack of pace put paid to his ambitions.
"Top Gun" was not the happiest at the end of this second day on the Twin Ring Motegi. « At the start of the race, the ride height device did not deactivate. I rode the first three corners with the bike reared up every time I opened the throttle, which made me lose a lot of time. After that, I didn't have the pace to follow the best. I am very happy with this qualifying session, and then, for the race, I gave 100%.. When I'm alone I can do good tricks, but it's more difficult in a group." he said to the microphones of GP One.
In addition to a new technical problem – which is a lot, on the scale of a season – Maverick had to battle with super-powerful Ducatis, which monopolised the top 7 at the finish. " NOTWe are not fast enough to get close to the Ducatis and try to overtake them, they are impregnable in a straight line. I have a lot of problems approaching the bends, I have to put a lot of pressure on the front. We can delay the braking, but we have to keep the speed going through the bend, so it's hard to overtake" he added, in an interesting explanation.
For tomorrow, the Spaniard is not worried. As usual, he does not hesitate to express his confidence, no matter what Mother Nature decides. « I am calm and motivated. Open to all possible weather conditions, and focused on the best result. I will have to try to follow the best » he concluded.
Do you think Maverick Vinales is capable of holding on to his third position acquired in qualifying? Tell us in the comments!
2024 MotoGP Japanese Grand Prix Sprint Result:
Classification credit: MotoGP.com
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport