All eyes are on the start for the Yamaha riders on the works team With Maverick Vinales Who has tried the Yamaha device several times today, which only works on the rear of the motorcycle and which was actually already available on the M1 last season?
“The Ducatis seem to start even better than last season – said Vinales – for me This is a fundamental area where improvements can be made Because I was always very consistent in the last part of the race in 2020, at the same level, if not better than the leaders, the problem is that I had to build up positions all the time. Progress in the beginning is very important and I will continue to invest my time and effort. “
Both Maverick and his new teammate Fabio Quartararo I agree that improving the start for Yamaha would be crucial given the negative experiences of the past seasons. “Even if we start as good as possible – said Quartararo – We are not on the level of the other. “
However, the two official Yamaha riders have different views how to achieve the goals in this particular area. According to Quartararo “It’s a problem that Yamaha can fix very quickly.” While for Maverick Vinales, who raised his voice the most on the matter last season, things are different.
“I don’t think it will be easy to improve the way we want it to be – he said – I don’t know if we’ll get to a good level over the weekend, but it’s certainly the crucial point of this weekend for me. today We took a few small steps forward But I have to keep working and if I start the race on Sunday and don’t have to make up too many positions, I’ll be happy. “
Apart from the question of the start, the day was also positive for both Yamaha riders Fabio Quartararo is third (+0.188) behind the Ducati by Jack Miller and Pecco Bagnaia.
“It went pretty well today If I have to compare myself to the tests, I’ve lost a lot especially against the Ducatis, of which we lose two and a half tenths in the fourth sector. We’re slower than them and top speed isn’t our forte, but if we keep repeating it the problem will get bigger while I’m busy in the race try to keep everyone on the straight (laughs) to get me in the best possible condition to take the first corner “.
The lack of a good top speed, especially against the Ducatis, was obviously the subject of discussion for Maverick Vinales, who like Quartararo tried to find a solution.
“Yes, there is a very long road here in Qatar, but in In the third sector, where we are very fast at Yamaha, there are some good overtaking points. Compared to the tests, I have to say that I’ve made some good steps forward and today’s position and time confirm that – Vinales finished sixth, two tenths and a half behind Jack Miller – The balance of the bike is not the maximum because the grip has changed for two weeks, but we are working on it and I am confident that I can do a very good qualifying tomorrow. ”