If Honda and Marc Márquez are generally designated as those who, reluctantly, benefit from a 2020 season with a delayed start, Yamaha and Maverick Viñales are on the other hand part of the leading group of those who suffer from it. The brand had worked well on its M1 and the driver had improved like never before, physically and morally. The tests at Losail showed a more than promising level. However, during this last test gallop, Valentino Rossi's teammate had spotted another bike more formidable than his Yamaha. A machine he knows well…
Marc Márquez et Honda would they have gone down on one knee at the start of this 2020 season, thus paving the way for a title that is more competitive than ever? We will never know since the coronavirus went there to dynamite all the shots and blur the perspectives. However, there is one certainty that lives Maverick Vinales : a great opportunity has passed: “ for Yamaha and for us, it's a shame, because I felt very strong. I felt with a stratospheric rhythm » assures the Spaniard AS.
A feeling based on facts revealed by the chrono: “ rhythm is the Yamaha's strong point. And this year I worked even harder. The times I pushed it to the max, the bike performed perfectly and kept me calm. The motorcycle goes much further. We gained at least 6 or 7 km/h. This can be seen. I tried to ride the Ducati and Honda during the off-season and they don't give us as much anymore. We have a new starter device that works very well. »
However, the Spaniard saw even better on the Losail track… “ The Suzukis were going very fast and doing good laps. The first day I stopped early for tires, I went to look on the side of the track and it was perhaps the most complete bike I saw. »
The GSX-RR with Kidneys et Mir above would therefore have been the outsider of choice and perhaps even the sensation. It will be recalled that Casa Particular in Viñales started in MotoGP with the Hamamatsu firm before choosing the project Yamaha when he himself was reaching maturity. What is there to have regrets about? He answers : " the goal of my life is to be world champion, there is no other. I get along very well with Lin Jarvis, every year the relationship improves. Yamaha saw that I had made a big change and they appreciated it. I feel good with Yamaha, looking forward to it, I know I can be in contention for the title there. I am very satisfied and very proud of what Yamaha has given me this year, happy to be at the forefront of Yamaha. We are a great team, we have nothing to envy of the others. »
2020 should be the last year to spend with Valentino Rossi for Maverick Vinales who will have a new teammate from 2021 in the person of fabio quartararo.
