With the best times in the two test sessions in Malaysia, Maverick proved that he was capable of stepping into the shoes of triple MotoGP World Champion Jorge Lorenzo at Yamaha. Now teammate of Valentino Rossi – the most popular rider in the history of motorcycle sport – Vinales wants to give everything so as not to risk missing his chance. However, he does not forget that it was with Suzuki that he was able to develop his talent in the higher category.
“Normally, I adapt quickly to new motorcycles, Maverick explains. During the second test with the Yamaha at Sepang, I felt like it was a part of me. I thought : “I can do whatever I want with the M1.”
“I learned a lot from Suzuki, with whom I developed the GSX-RR almost from scratch. This experience gave me a big advantage for the Yamaha because I now understand much better how a motorcycle is made, how to develop it, and so on. It has been a valuable learning process. Honestly, when I left Suzuki, I was at a very good level in all areas. That makes me happy. And I am very grateful to Suzuki.
“When I started riding the Yamaha, I noticed immediately that the M1 was a little easier to ride very fast. I don't risk my life and limb every turn with the M1. If you know the Yamaha well, you can already get 100 percent from it in FP1 on Friday, which is useful. I'm used to always driving at the limit. Although I can still go 110 percent with the Yamaha, we will be at a very good level.
“I looked at the recorded data to find out the experience of old riders, how they use the rear brake, twist the throttle to avoid wheelies, use the power. All these little details.
“There are many things I can learn. I can also always improve my driving style. In some areas, Jorge and Valentino are even better than me. In 2017, I will watch every day the information collected by Jorge in 2016, that of Valentino and the other Yamaha riders in order to know what my opponents have better than me. In Valencia, for example, I bend in the long corner with a lot of gas. The data showed me that I had to change my driving there. Then during the November test in Valencia I was better in the last sector.
“In Sepang, I improved every day. It is important to always keep other drivers in sight. You can't always be the fastest in every corner. It is therefore advisable to look at the data. If you don't, you can't be better.
“For 2017, we have to do everything so as not to be nervous. The experience from the first two years of MotoGP will help with this. Last year I sometimes got nervous when I thought I was riding 100 percent, but I was four tenths off the best time. I think this year I can still be at the front. It is important. It gives me peace and confidence. »
Photos © Yamaha
Source: Günther Wiesinger for Speedweek. com, © Red Bulletin Schweiz AG
