The Yamaha rider is very satisfied with his last test and his machine and is positive for the start of 2019.
Maverick Vinales was very competitive during the first pre-season test at the Valencia circuit last week, dominating each of the two test days. However, he was unable to complete his program due to the weather and he still had some doubts that he wanted to clarify this week.
At the end of this second test at the end of the 2018 year and 2019 pre-season on the Jerez track, the Spanish driver was reassured. Author of the fourth overall time during the first day, four tenths from the best time, he progressed during the second day by ranking in third position, only one tenth from first.
Of course, there are still things to improve, but Viñales is now more serene and confident for next year: “So far I think we have kept a very good pace, especially since we have always used worn tires and I am really happy because when I attacked at the end, the bike reacted quite well. We focused on the engine and for me it is now quite clear. Now I know we can improve the chassis a little. We will see after our meeting what we decide to do. Obviously we still have to progress, we always have to, but the important thing was to find the base. Now we need to improve our top speed for the test in Malaysia, in my opinion. This will be important for long tracks. We need more traction and that's still our weak point, but I think overall we have a really competitive bike. We only wanted to test the engine. The times were there, very regular, roughly 38 or less than 39, and I think that's very good. »
Jerez MotoGP Test, Day 2:
1. Nakagami, Honda, 1'37.945
2. Marquez, Honda, +0,025 sec
3. Vinales, Yamaha, +0,121
4. Lorenzo, Honda, +0,160
5. Petrucci, Ducati, +0,164
6. Morbidelli, Yamaha, +0,173
7. Miller, Ducati, +0,262
8. Dovizioso, Ducati, +0,347
9. Bagnaia, Ducati, +0,388
10. Rins, Suzuki, +0,577
11. Rossi, Yamaha, +0,651
12. Quartararo, Yamaha, +0,816
13. Rabat, Ducati, +0,931
14. Mir, Suzuki, +0,986
15. Pol Espargaro, KTM, +1,199
16. Bautista, Ducati, +1,393
17. Abraham, Ducati, +1,799
18. Iannone, Aprilia, +1,881
19. Zarco, KTM, +1,919
20. Aleix Espargaro, Aprilia, +2,211
21. Smith, Aprilia, +2,380
22. Guintoli, Suzuki, +2,553
23. Syahrin, KTM, +2,575
24. Oliveira, KTM, +2,632
25. Baiocco, Aprilia, +3,962
