MotoGP, Viñales: Valentino squeezed the most out of me

After the nightmares of Austin and Jerez, Viñales began to dream again in France. At Le Mans, Maverick bowled a strike with his third win of the season, number 500 for Yamaha in World Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing and first place in the standings once again in his hands.

Hard to do better…
“It was all incredible. I did not think a pace like that could be maintained and both Rossi and I pushed the Yamaha to 200%. It is great to break the track record on the final lap. Valentino squeezed the most out of me.”

You did not realize that he had crashed?
“No, I thought he was glued to my pipes and, in fact, on the last turn I closed down all the openings. I thought that Valentino would have a go and I was prepared for contact (he laughs). It is a great sensation to have won today, like when I won the first time, right here, in 125.”

What changed from Jerez?
“Truthfully, nothing. The settings I used today were identical to the warm up in Spain, but here I had confidence with the front. I felt like I was at the limit, but I was able to manage it.”

Is this the most important win of the year?
“It is definitely important for the championship because of the mistakes my direct rivals made, but the first one in Qatar was more important. There I felt the pressure and I had to show that I could do it.”

Did you change your strategy after Marquez’s crash?
“First of all, I am sorry that both he and Valentino went down. I know from personal experience that it is no fun. After his mistake I simply told myself not to make a mistake too.”

Now the closest rider in the standings is Pedrosa…
“Dani is very good. When he is having a good day he is impossible to beat. He is a contender for the title as am I and so are Valentino and Marc.”