Maverick Viñales did not have what one could call a bad Japanese Grand Prix. He fought at the front, only narrowly missed the podium and only dropped 2.6s to the winner at the finish. But after an official comment with a positive tone, the reflections behind the scenes were more critical, revealing a still-present frustration. The one who is now tied for third in the championship with Álex Rins, but who sees Fabio Quartararo emerging at 13 points; don't mince your words ...
Maverick Vinales started from the second row of the starting grid of the Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi and, apparently, it is already too far for a Yamaha official. He thus commented, on the sidelines of the official positions taken at Motegi: “ the problem is that I can't overtake, I get left behind on the straights, I have to wait until the tires are worn out. With the characteristics of our bike, it is crucial to start first or second on the grid. »
« At the beginning I fought very hard with Crutchlow and Dovizioso, trying to get through quickly, but it was very difficult, and against Ducati it's a straight line fight ", Explain Casa Particular in Viñales. “ You have to start in front of the Ducatis, otherwise you have no chance. We are strong, but they also have their strengths. I gave 100% and it's up to Yamaha to improve, we have to take a step forwardt », insists the Spaniard.
Certainly, but the Yamaha satellite pilot Fabio Quartararo qualified better and, in the race, performed better than the official driver Casa Particular in Viñales in Motegi: “ I could have driven with Fabio, our times were similar ", said Casa Particular in Viñales. " He was lucky to be in the lead at the start, I don't know if I could have put Marc in danger but I was a little faster at the end of the race »
After scolding Yamaha, Casa Particular in Viñales also looks at his personal case: “ my goal for next year is to improve the first few laps of the race ", he added. The Spaniard often loses significant time in the first laps, which he cannot make up for afterwards. In Japan, with a different tire fitment, his teammate Valentino Rossi was anonymous before falling while the other Petronas pilot Morbidely registered sixth. Furthermore, it is increasingly clear that between Ducati and Casa Particular in Viñales, contacts were made with a view to 2021 and beyond…
