MotoGP Test Jerez: surprised and happy, Maverick Viñales (Yamaha/1) wants to hit hard this weekend

Maverick Viñales resumed his MotoGP activity as he left it in the world before the pandemic: dominant. He's the one at the top of the timesheet for a day of testing at Jerez which served as a pre-starter before this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix, which will kick off the season. He gets along just as well with his new Yamaha as with the new Michelin tire. The torrid heat will be a factor to take into account, but Valentino Rossi's teammate already has only one idea in mind: not to let it count and establish his supremacy in an Andalusia which will offer two Grands Prix...

With three M1s in the top 5 including a pair in the first two places, Yamaha can be happy with his reunion with the track after long months of inactivity imposed by the Coronavirus pandemic. What's more, with a plot of Jerez with fairly short straight lines and giving pride of place to agility. Exactly the M1's cup of tea, and even more so in its latest configuration.

The demonstration of a good start to be considered by Yamaha was made by a Maverick Vinales who already has the plan for his weekend in mind. At the end of this Wednesday's test, he dominated his future teammate fabio quartararo for 111 thousandths and Marc Marquez for 148 thousandths. In the morning, he didn't attack too much, preferring to gradually regain the feeling with his Yamaha M1.

“The heat is almost unbearable”

« In the first session I wasn't in front because I didn't change the tires and I rode to the end with a set ", has explained Maverick Vinales. " I think we did a good job. But the heat is almost unbearable. So we have to prepare very carefully for the race. We have already studied the organization of the race in the afternoon ».

In the past, Iwata's bike has suffered at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit. This time the M1 showed progress. “ I was surprised because I immediately felt very good during the second session. I did several quick laps in a row. The race pace is already impressive. I am surprised and happy. We can't wait for the GP weekend ».

Yamaha brought few changes compared to Qatar, but Iwata did not sit idle during the quarantine. The proof: a system for lowering the M1 in a straight line, like Ducati, was detected. “ The bike responds well to this heat. I guess we have a good opportunity this weekend. We will try to push from the start. But we have to be smart. The three free practice sessions will be crucial. And it is particularly important to qualify directly for Q2 ».

« At 60 degrees asphalt temperature it will be important to know which tires perform best... My main goal is to qualify for the front row, then take the lead into the first corner and ride at my own pace. This is our goal " concluded Maverick Vinales who adds: “ at the same time it's the best way to race with this bike ».

MotoGP Test Jerez: afternoon and cumulative times