The weekend in Qatar didn’t start out very well for Maverick Vinales because he has just found out that he will have to go without his crew chief Esteban Garcia at least until Sunday. The result of his first swab, which he had once they landed in Doha, was in doubt so he was taken to a hotel in Covid for further updates.
The Yamaha rider explained: “Esteban already had another test yesterday which came back negative but he will have to remain in isolation until Saturday. I think he can be on the track on Sunday. He will be able to help us from there by being in contact with us, but having already done a lot of tests we don’t have a lot to do, we just drive. It’s a shame but the rest of the team is fine. “
Maverick then commented on the news that Marquez will be absent from the two inaugural races in Qatar.
“It is very difficult to say anything about it. The only person who knows how Marc is doing is himself, ”said Maverick. “IIt’s always an extra motivation when he’s around. We all push harder. Sure, once he can ride he will be here and it will be positive for everyone.”
Even without Marquez, there are still many rivals. Starting with Ducati.
“Last year I said I wanted to start from one to ten twelve. It’s twenty-four now. Double, ”he said jokingly. “I can’t wait because I think it’s going to be a good season for me and it will be important to be calm. I I don’t have to rework the bike a lot because it’s good, it works. For the GP, I only have to improve in the last section and at the start. Everything else works perfectly. The Ducatis can be beaten. That is the goal . ”