Yamaha factory rider Maverick Viñales won the British GP at Silverstone in some style. But this season, he’ll be lining up in Yamaha colours.
First, how is life at Movistar Yamaha so far?
Maverick Viñales: “Overall we are quite happy. We are learning. Also it’s my first year fighting for the title so it counts a lot. It’s like I have no experience fighting in MotoGP. But anyway I’m really happy and we are taking all the opportunities that we can.”
After a stunning start to the season – and completely dominating preseason testing – mid-season has proved more difficult and Viñales is now outside the top two in the standings for the first time this year. But not by much, only eight points off Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) in second, and 24 points off the lead held by Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team). Now having found more direction, the Spaniard is hopeful they can bite back soon – and not just on his side of the garage…
MV25: “Valentino is working really good on the bike. He is in front all the time so he makes you go faster and improve your level. This is really good for me, especially now that I’m starting my career in MotoGP, it’s important. I don’t think in Yamaha there is one rider or another rider…I think the Yamaha team is great. And if I don’t win, I would prefer Valentino to win. Yamaha has to win.
“I was thinking after Argentina that I would lead the Championship during all the year. But things were up and down. Now it’s difficult to know. But I hope the Championship can be stable now and we can fight one on one or something like that. For me being in the top three would be really satisfying because it’s the first year in Yamaha, first year I’m fighting for the title. But anyway, the objective is to win the title. I think that’s the most important thing.”
There are now seven rounds remaining for that title win to become a reality. And the next stop is Silverstone, where the Spaniard took his first ever premier class win last season. That makes for a good omen ahead of the event – and Viñales is ready…
MV25: “I’m really excited to arrive at Silverstone again. It’s a special track for me as I won my first MotoGP race there last year, so I will give my 100%. We completed the private Misano test with a good feeling and we will work hard to find a good set-up when we start work in Silverstone on Friday. I like the track lay-out a lot, because there are many fast corners, many chicanes, and that’s something that really suits my riding style. Honestly, it’s one of the best tracks on the calendar. It‘s one of the Grands Prix that I’m always eager to go to and I will do my best and give my maximum to repeat last year’s victory!”
source: motogp.com
