Maverick Viñales crossed the finish line in 12th place during the recent British Grand Prix at Silverstone after contending with technical difficulties and starting from 18th on the grid. The Spanish rider, competing for Red Bull KTM Tech3, expressed his frustration at a weekend that failed to meet his expectations despite his strong pace during the race.
The challenges began with a disappointing qualifying session, which severely hampered Viñales’s ability to fight among the front runners. Starting from the back meant he had to expend extra effort just to gain positions, a factor that ultimately cost him crucial seconds.
Race Pace Suggests a Higher Potential Finish
Viñales emphasized that his race pace was competitive and capable of securing a spot within the top five had circumstances been different. He explained that the pace he demonstrated showed promise, but the delay at the start created a gap too large to overcome in the limited laps remaining.
“I had the rhythm to be fighting in the top five but starting in 18th means a lot more fighting and in only a few laps I lose six-seven seconds and that’s the race.” —Maverick Viñales, Rider
Machine Weaknesses at Silverstone Impact Performance
The Silverstone circuit’s distinct characteristics revealed particular weaknesses in Viñales’s KTM machine, notably a lack of grip during corner exits. This shortfall proved critical on a track that demands strong acceleration out of turns, placing the rider at a disadvantage compared to competitors.
“This track is very unique and grip on corner exit is not our strength: you need it here.” —Maverick Viñales, Rider
Looking Ahead to Future Races with Optimism
Despite the setbacks faced at Silverstone, Viñales remains optimistic about his team’s capabilities. He urged focusing on the upcoming Aragon race while recalling stronger performances earlier in the season at Le Mans and Jerez. His determination to improve the finer details of the bike highlights a commitment to rebound from this disappointing weekend.
“We need to forget this track and concentrate on Aragon now because this was not our potential here. I have faith in the bike we have – In Le Mans and Jerez we were quite fast – and we must improve the details.” —Maverick Viñales, Rider
