Any unknown factors about Maverick Vinales’ first contact with the Aprilia RS-GP were swept away by two days of testing at Misano that ended today. The Spaniard felt so comfortable on the Italian motorcycle that he agreed to take part in the Aragon Grand Prix for the first time in the colors of the Noale manufacturer. He’ll do it on one of the cheapest tracks for Aprilia and also on the favorite track of his teammate Aleix Espargarò. For Maverick, who has to be quick from the start, it is a challenge in the challenge, as he has proven in the test that has just ended.
We were sure that the Aprilia Vinales would put a smile on your face and This was confirmed by Top Gun during the briefing with journalists organized for Maverick to talk about the experience. His words testify to great optimism and confidence that he has made a good choice for the future too. It was feared that it could be a long learning curve for Vinales with the first V4 engine in his MotoGP career, but the facts allayed those fears.
“When I got there, I felt a lot of pressure and was also nervous,” said Vinales, because I had spent so much time on a different type of bike. I’ve always ridden a 4-series, I didn’t know how it was going to go. Instead, I was surprised at how easily I adapted to the engine, it was easy. Basically, the motorcycle is very manageable, which is very important for long races. Today I drove 1’32.4 laps, which is not bad. It is difficult to be very fast in tests, but here I had the benchmark of a Ducati and we were close ”.
What made you decide to race in Aragon instead of doing other tests first?
“I thought it was the best way to better prepare for 2022. Maybe I’m not ready yet, I still don’t feel like one with the bike. I was used to riding a completely different bike, but I think I’ll get the bike even better in Aragon. Being with Aleix will also help me because he is fast and I can quickly learn how this bike works. I feel strong, very strong. And that’s the really positive thing. After my third run I decided to race, I realized that I want to race right away. “
Is there anything you think you still have a lot of leeway?
“I have to change my braking style because we have to do it differently. I’ll have to learn a lot because the Aprilia’s brakes are very different. Aleix is very strong at braking so I have to learn from him how he does it. I think it all comes with the confidence that comes with driving. “
When you were suspended from Yamaha, would you have ever imagined yourself getting back on the bike so quickly?
“I was expecting to have to wait until November to ride my bike again. But this opportunity is fantastic and Aprilia gave it to me. It was right of me and Yamaha, we all have an advantage because we go to ours first future. Here all the guys have worked hard and the team looks really strong. Then they come off the podium, it’s the best time to join this team. Aleix and Lorenzo have done a good job and the bike is on a very high level Level bike works well, I was quite surprised to be able to adapt so quickly.
What do you think you learned from what happened?
“Now I think I can enjoy life more, I think I have a different approach. After almost five years of ups and downs, you end up wondering what happens. But as soon as I got on the Aprilia, I recognized my potential again and what I can do. It was great to be able to do it right away. I’ll be able to do six races, which is a lot better than five days of testing. I will try to prepare myself as well as possible for 2022 together with Aleix.
What thoughts have kept you company to this day?
“I spent time with my family. After everything that happened, I just thought that I wanted to keep going, that I wouldn’t give up. Until I reach my goals, I’ll be stronger and more determined.” I will get the maximum out of my first lap in Aragon. I know my situation in Aprilia now, I have to work hard, I have to keep going. “
Do you already know some of the guys on the team?
“Yes, I know almost everyone because I drove the Aprilia 125, and I knew almost everyone. I already knew them before when I was driving in the Spanish championship.”
What is the goal for Aragon?
“I don’t set any limits, I don’t know exactly what to expect. When you’re on a race weekend, everything changes compared to testing. The truth is, the real expectation is to learn as much as possible.” I have to integrate myself into the work system of the team, I think that is the real goal, and if there is a good result, it is welcome. “