We know the total involvement of Maverick Vinales in his profession, and this often results in outbursts in one direction or another, also when the Catalan finished at the top of the test MotoGP in Valencia, there was little doubt that his debriefing in front of the journalists was going to be rave!
This was indeed the case, which allowed the Aprilia rider to go on vacation with peace of mind, despite his 10th place in the Grand Prix after starting from pole position…
As usual, we report his words here without the slightest formatting.
Maverick, once again an impressive lap time: as the record holder in the circuit, this goes without saying, or does it have something to do with the improvement of the bike?
Maverick Vinales :
“Well, I wasn't surprised by our speed, because we still hold the lap record on the circuit, but today we worked very intelligently to try to figure out which direction to take. next year. We used several different swingarms, just to figure out which way to go. And actually it was really good because we found a lot of positivity in one swingarm in particular, so that's huge. Another important thing was the fins, trying a little different shape of the tank, a different shape for the saddle: it was good to confirm because I needed to feel more comfortable on the bike and also I think I took a step forward because I can ride the bike better and I can put better pressure on the tire, so I can be more precise. Another important thing was to improve the start. I think that is the main priority and we have improved a lot compared to previous weekends. It is so a very good chose à understand from à present."
You usually do well on a test day, but you said last weekend that the Aprilia doesn't work very well when there's a lot of grip. The fact that you completed this test on top makes it feel like real progress rather than a false result...
“Actually, as I mentioned at Sepang, we identified really well what was happening. So we understand what the right balance was on the bike, especially when there was a lot of grip and also with the new tires. Once again we're confirming, we're confirming over the weekend and we're also confirming during the test, and that opens up a lot of room to figure things out, because you know very quickly what's going well or what's working for you. leads in the wrong direction. It is therefore easy to test an element. The data is very clear now. And Aprilia can also work on how to still give me that kind of balance on the track. So, yes, you have to congratulate the guys who understood this, even though it's at the end of the season, and it was very important because it opens up a different perspective for the new bike. »
The new starting system provides the same feeling as the illegal system, or even better?
“No, no, it's basically the same system that we always use, but the power delivery is totally different. That's a huge difference. Huge ! Huge ! We always had difficulty when the clutch bit, so after the start, a few meters after the clutch bit, it was very aggressive and very difficult. We have therefore improved the bite of the clutch and the power delivery is completely different. So it's easier, much easier to get started, so it's easier to be quick and easier to be more precise. »
Does the test change morale a little, after Sunday? Because I can't imagine that Sunday was a pleasant day...
“Well, today we confirmed that with the medium tire I was able to ride at 29 on the pace and at the end of the race in 30. So this confirmed that we could fight with Pecco and Zarco throughout the race. We knew we needed a better system to work through the weekend, and I only see improvements. Now, when I finish the year, I feel like the only thing we can do is improve. So I don't feel limited. »
And as for how the weekend goes, will you try to work with someone over the winter to come up with a specific plan?
“It’s always good to work on the weekend program. I think right now it's very difficult because I can't rest, not even 5 minutes during the day. So for next year we have to really think carefully, because sometimes you have to be very focused, especially for meetings, and I will try to be more rested, more focused and more prepared. It's the same for boys. We will try to be better. »
Results of the MotoGP Test on the Valencia circuit:
Classification credit: MotoGP.com
