It was a sparkling Maverick Viñales who appeared under the floodlights of the Losail track to explain a race synonymous with a second victory in Qatar, after that of 2017. In both cases, it was in the official Yamaha uniform. When FP4, the Spaniard said he had found something with his team reconstituted around Esteban Garcia coming out of confinement. The performance was masterful, full of balance and strength. Next week, he will want to do the same thing again in the same place for the Doha Grand Prix...It must be said that he was well advised.
In his press conference, Maverick Vinales paid a tribute that we did not expect. He said: “ The way Cal Crutchlow rides the bike is quite similar to mine. He helped me understand a lot of things! ". The new test driver is therefore already having an effect. At least on part of the official box Yamaha .
On his triumphant march, he commented: “ The departure didn't go very well. I had a good wheelie, so I need to keep improving », declared the first leader of the World Championship, which nevertheless never stopped repeating the starting procedures during tests and trials. “ But I forced myself to rest and saved the tires. I tried to ride smart and push in the right places. As soon as I had a lead on the pursuers, I was able to control the tire wear well. It was a perfect weekend, that's all I can say. My thanks go to the team and my closest family members. You know that my wife is expecting a baby. This is all so amazing! I am very grateful for everything that is happening right now ».
A synergy that seems to shape a new Maverick Vinales. But back to the race: “ until now I always thought that overtaking a Ducati on this track would be difficult. But yesterday I had the feeling for the first time that we could regain positions in the race. And today we proved it. The whole team did an excellent job. We couldn't have done better. Its very important. However, tomorrow we will think about how we can improve further. Because the opponents will definitely be stronger in the next race in a week ».
Viñales points to the Yamaha “HoleShot” as a weakness to be resolved
Because in a week, everything is called into question: “ that’s why I say we need to improve. We found out about it early Sunday. I keep reporting this problem. I practice as many starts as possible in each workout. And I strive to be the best Yamaha rider at least in every practice session. And I know that Yamaha is very seriously penalized by the development of a HoleShot device which should give us a better start ».
« But there are also positive aspects. When I drive the M1 here now, I feel like Yamaha is back! It's very rewarding. I don't know if it was the conditions or the circuit. But the power of our bike is there again, I'm really delighted. The speed in the corners is there, everything is fine. Now we can defend ourselves against Ducati, Suzuki and other manufacturers. We've all waited a long time for this " finished Casa Particular in Viñales who cuts the pattern after this first round of MotoGP.
MotoGP Qatar 1 J3: classification
