Except when he took up residence at Yamaha in 2017, Maverick Viñales has never seemed so strong on a revised M1 at the dawn of a MotoGP season. We hope that it will appear on July 19 near Jerez, a summer period which would then put an end to a long hibernation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Spaniard knows that he is in a favorable position, including at Yamaha, where he feels like the leader. A feeling often repeated when, next year, he will have Fabio Quartararo as a teammate…
Maverick Vinales can't wait to get back on the track. And for good reason, the winter tests were more than promising, giving rise to the idea that 2020 could finally be its year. During the four pre-season tests carried out in Valencia, Jerez, Sepang and Losail, he set the best lap three times, but to confirm in the race he still has to wait. “ It's a time of uncertainty right now, we don't know when we will start again. This is why we train only to keep ourselves in good physical shape. I don't have a plan yet, I will wait for the date of the first race. Only then will we have one. »
It is possible that the MotoGP championship will resume at Jerez on July 19. " Knowing the bike is good and we were able to be fast and consistent again makes the wait even harder », admits Maverick Vinales. " On the other hand there are more opportunities for Yamaha to work and I talk a lot with the team. We must make the best of this situation. »
Maverick Viñales considers 2020 but also 2021
The M1 has made great progress in recent months, it is not risky to think that it is the most competitive bike, at least on certain circuits where top speed plays a secondary role. “ I'm calm because I know the bike has improved a lot. But I think we still have a lot of progress to make. That's the most important thing. We have done our homework. »
« This season will be completely different, so I have to face it in a new way, even next year. » An allusion to 2021 which structures its conclusion: “ I feel like I'm a strong point at Yamaha and I need to make sure it stays that way. We know we have to take big risks this year because we have to be ready from day one. »
In 2021, fabio quartararo join Maverick Vinales within the factory team. It will be recalled that Lynn Jarvis, boss of Iwata's Grand Prix troops, assured that there would be no No. 1 driver under his awning. Everything will be sorted out on the track...
