Maverick Viñales showcased his enduring competitiveness at the MotoGP Spanish GP in Jerez, finishing the practice session in fourth place, just 0.594 seconds shy of the lead. However, a technical issue with his KTM RC16 interrupted his performance towards the end. The Spaniard expressed his frustration over the unexpected breakdown, which barred him from fully capitalizing on the closing moments of the session.
“I had a technical problem on the last time attack, so I wasn’t able to put everything together,” Viñales explained, recounting the difficulties. “I was preparing myself to just try to smash it at the end. And I had this technical problem. I ran off the track because the rear locked; I went back to the track it locked again, and the bike stopped completely.” Despite this setback, Viñales remains optimistic about his potential throughout the weekend.
The performance and overall pace left Viñales feeling upbeat, with the rider noting the positives in his approach. “Apart from that, I think it was quite positive, to be honest. The pace was quite nice – I need 0.2 seconds to be able to fight for the top four, but maybe I can find it throughout the weekend. But I’m quite satisfied, to be honest,” he remarked.
Drawing on his recent experiences, the Red Bull KTM Tech3 rider compared his sensations to those from Qatar, acknowledging Ducati’s formidable competitiveness in Jerez. “It’s quite similar. The only thing is that maybe in Qatar the Ducatis were a bit slower than here in Jerez. I think here they are a bit faster, maybe because the characteristics of the bike. In Jerez you have a lot of 180º corners, and Ducati is good in these corners because they turn quite easily,” Viñales observed. Despite not completing the ideal laps, he remains focused, aiming to bridge any gaps as the event progresses.
Viñales’s determination signals potential adjustments and improvements, maintaining his aim to compete fiercely in upcoming MotoGP races. While challenges persist, his resolve is unwavering, promising thrilling competitions ahead.
