The best time of these three days of Sepang testing has always been Fabio Quartararo’s prerogative, but by all appearances inclusive Marquez and Dovizioso’s best driver of the first race in Qatar was Maverick Vinales with a breathtaking race pace today despite being 18th in the leaderboard. Maverick, what do you think of today’s test result?
“It was positive. I really improved the bike a lot today and solved problems, especially in terms of race set-up and overtaking. I’m happy with the bike ‘Cause this year I’m ready for hand-to-hand combat this year. I didn’t have much time for the time attack because I wanted to to concentrate on my driving style and my feelings. I know I have to keep working and stay focused.”
what are your feelings
you are good. My pace is pretty good and I see a lot of strengths in this bike which I will try to improve in Qatar. I still don’t have a great relationship with the bike, so I didn’t do a time attack. I’ve been concentrating on the race pace together with the team and now we must preserve this work and to make the bike work like this in Qatar as well.”
In which areas can you further develop the 2020 motorcycle?
“I will have to find out how the new M1 works in Qatar. We did well here. I had a little trouble at the beginning, but then I did well today. I drove a lot in hot conditions because the race is usually run in such conditions and I have to win.”
What do you think of the new Michelin tire? Everyone says that the combination with your bike is perfect.
“I think I had more traction with the tires at this track than last year. The bike is different and the tire works differently. I need to figure out how they work and how to get them to work best. I have time from here to Qatar.”
Audio recorded by Paolo Scalera