Maverick Viñales, disappointed with qualifying but looking forward to race

Maverick Viñales will face the race of the Grand Premio de la Comunitat Valenciana from fourth position of the starting grid, although he expected to be second or third. “I’m disappointed with this qualifying”, admitted the Team Suzuki Ecstar rider. Despite these feelings, he was satisfied with the race pace. In fact, in the FP4 has been able to consistently ride in 1:31 and 1:30, similar pace to Marc Marquez’ and Jorge Lorenzo’s pace.

According to the explanations offered by Maverick, he has been unable to finish in a better position by the approach of Q2. For the first time, he has used three tyres instead of two, and has not had time to heat the rubber: “I did very badly the first sector”, he said. The positive thing for Spanish is that it has served as “learning”.

Thinking about the race, it is “difficult” to know what tires will use. The choice depends on the temperature. “I made the first start with the hard tire and I did not like anything. Then I mounted the soft of the morning and felt good. I was riding in the same lap times that Jorge and Marc, and they also were using the soft rubber”, he detailed. He is happy with Michelin’s tire offer and recognises that if the temperature is not high he will opt for the soft option.

Tuesday will see Maverick become an official Yamaha rider as he enjoys his first day of practice on the Iwata bike.