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MotoGP, Viñales: “I am still not consistent enough to be at the level of Ducati”

Maverick: “The sensations are good, but I lack acceleration. The temperature cannot be an excuse after Thailand”

MotoGP: Viñales: “I am still not consistent enough to be at the level of Ducati”

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His Yamaha was the fastest on Friday. We are talking about the M1 ridden by Maverick Viñales who, after setting the bar in the morning, confirmed his performance in the afternoon as well, thanks to his third place time behind the Italian Iannone-Petrucci duo. The Spaniard’s face therefore betrays confidence for Saturday.

I am happy about this start, also because I felt good sensations straight away – Maverick began – Obviously, we are only on the first day of the weekend and there is still a lot of work to do.”

Attention then shifted to the tyres.

I used the hard and the soft and the sensations were different – he admitted – In any case, in the finale I really felt good with the soft. In fact, I was able to be competitive. Anyway, I must say that the tyre combination is good, even if I need to take a step forward.

Maverick has no intention of settling.

“The Ducati has great potential in the last sector, especially on the straight – the Spaniard admitted - In FP2, I tried to work on the M1’s stability since there were a few things I didn’t like. Acceleration, for example, is not consistent, but if we manage to solve this aspect, we’ll be able to be ready for the race.

So, the Australian track seems to be a good fit for the qualities of the M1.

“I hope that the track improves tomorrow. Phillip Island is certainly helping the Yamaha for its characteristics. Among other things, I did not even make any changes to the bike’s setup. The faster I am able to be on turns, the better it will be for the race.”

The Spaniard then draws a comparison.

“This track reminds me of Assen, with all the direction changes – he analysed – I want to stay positive after this start. The temperature? It shouldn’t be used as an excuse, since in Thailand it was much hotter. Personally, with these conditions we have the chance to stay in the top five.”

Despite his already blemished season, Maverick does not want to betray expectations.

“Obviously it is not a simple situation – he concluded – It is important not to lose motivation, especially in view of next year.”

 

Translated by Jonathan Blosser
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