Yamaha problems ‘avoided’ on Portimao track – Vinales
Maverick Vinales says he’s avoided problems with the Yamaha on the Algarve track surface, and feels the best he has in MotoGP practice since Misano.
Vinales ended Friday’s inaugural Portuguese Grand Prix MotoGP running at the Algarve circuit second overall behind pacesetter Johann Zarco, and admitted it’s been “such a long time” since he felt as competitive as he has.
The Yamaha rider says this is down to the asphalt at the Portuguese venue being totally different to what he ran on at Valencia, where he struggled to 10th last weekend, and this is masking the M1’s usual grip and traction problems.
“The time I felt like this was Misano, both races, so I think we have a good opportunity to ride the bike and enjoy,” he said. “Now we need to understand many things because a few corners are very difficult with this bike. So, we need to keep working.
“Basically, the asphalt is totally different to Valencia, so I think the bike accepts it much better, especially the first touch [of the throttle] is more grippy and I can ride a bit better. We avoid a lot of problems, especially the lateral slide, traction. So, in this case we are quite comfortable.”
Curiously, he says the circuit’s recently resurfaced asphalt isn’t actually high in grip – much like at Valencia – and Yamaha still “needs to understand” why none of its Valencia problems are affecting it.
“Well, the grip is not very high but I have traction,” he added. “So, it’s something we need to understand and why we didn’t have that traction in Valencia. Today we worked with the height of the bike, we didn’t change the weight balance, this I think we will do tomorrow.
“We played with the [ride] height. We need to understand what is the best for the race and qualifying. So, in the end I think the time attack was quite good. The soft tyre is not unbelievable, it’s too soft on the left, so for sure I can’t take out the maximum performance.
“So, tomorrow we need to understand how to do it.”
Previous article
Crutchlow: Lorenzo’s talent doesn’t make him a great MotoGP tester
Next article
MotoGP champion Mir feels “free just to focus on the riding”
About this article
| Series | MotoGP |
| Event | Portuguese GP |
| Drivers | Maverick Viñales |
| Author | Lewis Duncan |
Repsol Honda Team - Pol Espargaró Q&A
Repsol Honda Team - Marc Marquez Q&A
Why Alex Marquez doesn't care about 'shutting up' MotoGP critics
Alex Marquez's form was one of MotoGP 2020's biggest surprises and, by firmly stepping out of his six-time world champion brother Marc's shadow, he proved a few people wrong. Not that he cares about this, as he tells Lewis Duncan
How Yamaha's new MotoGP era can unchain Vinales
After the electrifying start to his Yamaha MotoGP career in 2017, Maverick Vinales has struggled for consistency. Many anticipate that the arrival of Fabio Quartararo could spell disaster, but the departure of Valentino Rossi could be just the impetus he needs.
Does KTM really need 'super engine' for MotoGP title challenge?
Fears from rival MotoGP manufacturers that KTM would build a 'super engine' for 2021 have ultimately come to nothing with the revealation that the RC16 hasn't been radically changed over the winter. But does it really need that to win the title?
How Ducati's latest Aussie union can return it to MotoGP glory
Australians on Ducatis is an iconic partnership, the marque's last one yielding its sole MotoGP crown to date. But its latest Aussie union with the often underestimated Jack Miller can end this drought.
The "balls out" battle between MotoGP's true greats
Senna vs Prost is regularly cited as motorsport's greatest rivalry. But it can easily be argued Rainey vs Schwantz can stake that claim. That rivalry was in full swing during the 1991 500cc season, remembered fondly by both stars 30 years on...
The "warrior" MotoGP rookie KTM was right to back
The 2020 MotoGP campaign featured a standout pair of rookies, but one flew under the radar as he adjusted to a shock step-up armed with very little racing experience. However as his veteran team boss explains, the faith shown in him was not misplaced
Why Suzuki's Brivio replacement must come from within
With its charismatic leader Davide Brivio leaving for Formula 1, the Suzuki MotoGP squad he turned into a world championship-winning force in 2020 has a major recruitment headache that it needs to resolve carefully.
Why Alpine's latest signing could be its best hope of F1 glory
The return of Fernando Alonso to the renamed Alpine team is a sure sign of the team's ambition. But its latest appointment from MotoGP could be an even bigger coup as it seeks to end a barren run stretching back to Alonso's 2006 world title
