MotoGP, Viñales: "With the new winglets more power is used"

He was the only one able to stand up to the Ducatis in the morning, so much that he was the point of reference in FP1. In the afternoon, on the other hand, he confirmed his position as the first of the followers behind the Reds. Friday on the Red Bull Ring promotes Maverick Viñales and Suzuki, after a Sachsenring race that left a bitter taste in the Spaniard’s mouth.

In FP1 the cold complicated your plans, but you were able to be fast.

“The morning proved to be more complicated for the tyres. After just one run there was no more grip. Then, in the afternoon, I concentrated on the hard tyre, thanks to which I did the time. I feel good, but there is still a lot to improve a much work to do.”

Thoughts are already on the race. Is it better to rely on the hard or medium?

“I don’t know. That is a very difficult question. Tomorrow we will understand better, although the soft did not last very long at all today.”

Did you find new motivation during the break?

“I feel good, especially after the latest training. Obviously I’m happy to have started off on the right foot this weekend, where I want to stay in the top four.”

In the July tests you used the soft tyre.

“True. It will be important to see how long they last. In the tests I had great confidence, but on Sunday it will be crucial to conserve them for the finale. Therefore we need to stay focused and keep working.”

You also showed off the new winglets.

“We have this change for Austria that will allow us to use more power in terms of acceleration. I must say that I am liking them, plus the bike has a more fluid ride. So I hope to continue down this path.”

What has changed compared to the German Grand Prix?

“The Suzuki is more stable compared to the Sachsenring and at the same time easier to ride. I am happy, although on the other hand the Ducati is an eternity away (he smiles).”

This circuit has proven to be very fast.

“With the new winglets I think we are quicker in the first and second sector, plus, in third and fourth gear the Suzuki is more stable and therefore wheelies less. Obviously today is only Friday. What counts is the race on Sunday.”

Turn 10 was also changed.   

“I think it has been improved in terms of safety. Now it is slower. I think there is a difference of 5-6 km/h compared to the tests in July.”