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MotoGP, Viñales: The new M1 adapts better to the Michelins

"Now I am able to be consistent, that is the most positive aspect. We'll keep working on the electronics to find more linear output"

MotoGP: Viñales: The new M1 adapts better to the Michelins

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Maverick Viñales gave the journalists a moment of his time before returning to the garage to finish the second day of tests in Sepang. Like yesterday, the Spaniard decided to take advantage of the hottest days of the day in order to simulate race conditions.

And I am very happy with the work we have done - he says - Today the track is more slippery than yesterday and that is exactly what we needed.”

Viñales was clear: the goal was not to try for the best time (“Valentino’s performance on the flying lap confirms that the bike is fast and his work helps me” he comments) but to work on consistency.

I would say that we are doing well. I didn’t feel any great drop even when the tyres had done 20 laps - he says - I was able to be consistent and that is the most positive thing.”

The new M1 helps.

How is it different from the 2017? In everything - laughing - All joking aside, I didn’t have to change my riding style, but the new frame adapts better to the tyres and that allows me to be faster from the first to the last lap. Now we need to keep working on the electronics. That is the point we’ll focus on. I am trying to find a more linear output because in the low revs it’s smooth, but then a burst of power arrives. For a flying lap that’s fine, but for the race it can be improved.

Maverick also has a new frame that still needs to be tested

I don’t know if I’ll do it tomorrow. It is not the priority - he reveals - I want to do a race simulation and have time for the new tyres Michelin has brought.”

Today, however, he also went out with the new fairing.

I think that on some tracks we’ll use it because it helps in acceleration and reduces wheelies. It has its pros and cons”, he gives his opinion.

As far as which engine he prefers, we’ll have to wait for the tests in Thailand.

Having indications on another track will be helpful because they have different characteristics, but here the times are similar with both” he concludes.

Translated by Jonathan Blosser
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