Maverick Viñales is gearing up for the Mugello MotoGP race with high confidence following his standout performance at the Aragón test last week. The Spanish rider representing Red Bull KTM Tech3 set a new lap record at the Aragonese circuit during the test, highlighting both his and the KTM RC16’s potential as the championship reaches a critical point. This breakthrough comes as the Austrian team aims to narrow the gap to leading contenders in the MotoGP standings.
Technical Advances Boost Viñales’ Optimism
After a productive weekend at Aragón, Viñales expressed eagerness to transfer the improvements made during testing to Mugello’s race conditions. At 30 years old, he emphasized the technical gains as a significant step forward in his ongoing adaptation to the KTM machine, a factor that has enhanced his morale and readiness.
“I am excited to go to Mugello after such a positive weekend in Aragon and at the test. We found the improvements that we needed during the test, so I want to see if we can apply these into the race weekend in Italy,”
Viñales confirmed.
Focus on Qualifying to Secure a Front-Row Start
Viñales highlighted the crucial role of qualifying sessions for achieving a top grid position, which is key given how closely matched MotoGP riders are. He acknowledged that reaching the first row would be essential to compete effectively with the frontrunners at Mugello.
“In Aragon, we understood that we could be at the level of the top guys, but it is going to be important for us to make the right strategies in qualifying, because our target is clearly to place our bike on the first row,”
Viñales stated.
Renewed Confidence in Rider and Machinery
The rider’s mindset reflects a strong belief in both his skill and the bike’s speed, which is critical for a competitive edge. This positive outlook contrasts with previous struggles during the season, suggesting that Viñales has found a rhythm to fully capitalize on the RC16’s capabilities.
“I am feeling very positive, the bike is fast, I know that I can be fast, so we just need to put it all together, and hopefully we can have a strong weekend in Italy,”
he remarked.
Looking Forward to Mugello’s Unique Challenges
Viñales expressed enthusiasm about tackling Mugello’s distinct layout, known for its demanding corners and celebrated by riders worldwide. The Tuscan circuit represents a chance for him to confirm the progress he showed at Aragón and to improve upon his previous best finish of second place in 2017.
“Mugello is a very special layout, I am excited to see what awaits us there,”
Viñales said, conveying both his appreciation for the track and his motivation to deliver a top result in Italy.
