Fiercely Determined Vinales Tops Jerez Test

03-05-2021

Fiercely Determined Vinales Tops Jerez Test

Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP's Maverick Viñales had the opportunity to delve further into his race set-up at the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto during today‘s official IRTA Jerez Test. He completed 101 laps, more than any other rider, and finished the day in first place.

Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP's Maverick Viñales enjoyed a very productive day of riding at the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto today. The Spaniard used the one-day official IRTA Jerez Test to work on late braking and improved cornering, and with success. He wrapped up the eight-hour session in first place.

The Factory Yamaha team‘s garage was less busy than usual during the test. Following the arm pump problem he experienced in yesterday‘s race, Fabio Quartararo didn‘t ride today. He will receive a medical check-up. Further updates will follow in due course.

Although the team had one rider less on track, this didn‘t mean they eased their effort. Viñales completed a whopping 101 laps in total – more than four times a race distance – to improve his cornering and late braking. A long run in the afternoon let him get in the laps and obtain the data needed to be all the more confident and competitive at the next round in Le Mans. His best lap of the day, a 1‘36.879s, set on 83/101 saw him complete the Jerez Test at the top of the standings, with a 0.034s margin over his fastest rival.

The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team will be back in action in two weeks‘ time for the Grand Prix de France.

Maverick Viñales

"We didn‘t try any new parts. I was just trying to give a bit more and learn about myself, trying to brake a little bit later. It seemed to be working. I was really good in the morning, the conditions were amazing, so we could ride very fast. In the afternoon the conditions were a bit more tricky, but we were still riding very fast. I did a long run, and I was actually quite happy. So, I‘m quite confident for Le Mans, because I think today we found what I needed in Portimao and here in Jerez. I have more confidence with the bike now. I did more laps and adapted a little bit more. I just feel good now. I think in Le Mans we can concentrate on being a bit faster."

Massimo Meregalli

Team Director

"First of all, I want to say that the team is obviously sad that Fabio couldn‘t attend the test today. However, as stated before, his health is the most important thing to us. Following his arm pump problem in yesterday‘s race, Fabio will get a medical check-up and more news should follow soon. In the meantime, we had a full day of riding to do here in Jerez. Maverick‘s Spanish GP was compromised by a turning issue. Today we spent a good amount of time looking into that area and we saw clear improvement. He also did a good long run in the afternoon and completed a total of 101 laps, far more than any other rider. We finished the test on top, which is positive, but the main thing we got out of this test is an increased confidence with the bike for Maverick – this is something really important for the upcoming race in Le Mans. We know that the Bugatti circuit fits the characteristics of our bike well, so we are hoping for a good race weekend there."