After finishing seventh at Jerez, followed by eleventh at Portimao at Le Mans, Maverick Vinales wasn’t the one we saw in Qatar. The Spanish driver, who qualified in second place, was unable to realize the potential of his M1. He finished tenth in the Bugatti and made his situation difficult in the overall standings given the results of his direct rivals.
“I wasn’t lucky today,” said Maverick. “My race ended with positive feelings and if we had driven under normal conditions, I would have shown all my pace. “
Indeed, the start of the race wasn’t bad at all. Then the mistake as soon as it started raining. How did this happen?
“Yeah, I got off to a good start with the Holeshot machine and I’m very happy with it. Then I did one a mistake in turn nine, ten, and I lost touch with Quartararo, Marquez, and Miller. It was totally my mistake. I tried to recover but then the bike wasn’t the best with less water on the track. In any case, everything went well in the wet. “
So the biggest problems with the M1 were mixed conditions. Correct?
“Yes that’s right. I had no handle. Paradoxically, tThere was more grip here with totally wet asphalt. This is a problem that we need to solve, or at least an area that needs to be explored, even if I hope not to find these conditions anymore. “
However, the bike appeared to go fast with Quartararo in mixed conditions. Does that reassure you for the future?
“I believe that Fabio had a lot of courage with slicks on the track in wet conditions. At that moment I made a mistake and lost touch with the best. “
It had been four years since there had been a flag-to-flag race. Did you miss that
“They are particularly difficult races when you go from dry to wet. It’s really scary. Today the mistake was entirely mine. I have no excuses and paid dearly for it. Now for Mugello. “
Your wife awaits around the Mugello GP. Is that right?
“Yes, just before. Let’s hope it’s on time, ”he said with a laugh.