Maverick Viñales decided to get ahead of the game without wasting any time. On the day of the presentation of the new Yamaha liveries, the Spaniard announced that he had renewed the contract with the Japanese manufacturer through 2020.
In short, the rider transfer market still has not opened up, but one thing is already certain: “I am very happy about this choice since I felt very good on the M1 – the Spaniard confirmed – Maybe the second half of the 2017 season did not go according to plans, but if we are at 100%, we have what it takes to win the championship.”
Yamaha did not have to think twice about holding onto their talent.
“There was no reason to expect more – Viñales said – Plus, the team has great confidence in my qualities. When they proposed the renewal I realised once again that they believe in me.”
Now his thoughts are on the coming season, where the M1 rider has some very clear ideas.
“If I set up 2018 like the first two races of 2017 it would be perfect – smiled Maverick – Maybe I’ll have to try to be calmer, trying to take one step at a time and always maintaining the same level.”
If, on one hand, Viñales’ future has already been decided, on the other a question mark hangs over Rossi’s. The Spaniard hopes to have the Doctor at his side in 2019 as well.
“Of course I would like it if he continued – number 25 said – At the end of the day, Vale brings a lot to the team, but to me too. Plus, his presence lets me be faster.”
In the coming hours, the time will head to Malaysia for the traditional late January tests.
“Sepang is the right track to test on – Maverick commented – Plus, with the heat, we’ll be able to see how to work with the tyres and the electronics development.”
Ah yes, the tyres. An aspect which left little doubt in the Spaniard’s mind in 2017.
“I think the situation has stabilised – he said – Michelin will use the same tyre as the final races, so we’ll be able to work well.”
Besides the electronics, he will have to reckon with the forward steps taken by Honda and Ducati.
“Their growth doesn’t worry me since up to the middle of last season we were right there –Maverick concluded – We need a gradual improvement and not a quick one like in 2017, where we arrived at a certain level quickly, but then we levelled off.”