Vinales is now working with ex-Valentino Rossi crew chief Galbusera after a tough run since winning the inaugural Qatar GP – according to Vinales – caused Yamaha to leave former chief mechanic for Spaniard Esteban Garcia.
The Yamaha rider says the main goal on Friday was to find the confidence in the front that he believed had been achieved, but notes that to do this he had to try “many different bikes” in FP1 and FP2 – what for unusual for him.
He finished the day sixth fastest, 0.586 seconds behind the pace, but emphasized that on Friday he was concentrating “more on the feeling and not on the lap times”.
“Well, actually we tried different balances on the bike,” said Vinales when asked what it was like to work with Galbusera.
“Basically, the goal was to find a front feeling, and we managed to do that today, so I’m very happy about it.
“But we have other problems anyway. It’s the way: we solve one problem at a time and tried many different bikes today during FP1 and FP2.
“It’s something I’m not used to, but it’s not bad.
“I am very happy because we have found very positive things.
“Certainly a few negatives, but we can work on that tomorrow and see if we can improve.
“It is important to look to the future, so we try to work hard.”
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Vinales admits that he needs time for the relationship between him and Galbusera to develop, but is certain that the Italian will soon “understand” what he needs on the motorcycle.
“We have to fit together step by step,” he added.
“If we go too fast, it’s not good. We have to go slowly, build trust and I felt good.
“I worked a bit with Silvano during the test in Qatar and I think he’s a smart guy, has a lot of experience, also with Vale, who has been at a high level in recent years.
“And he can help me with a few things and sure every driver is different, but he will understand because today I was honestly pretty calm during the day.
“I understand our job. It feels very nice, honestly. “