Maverick Viñales approaches the Qatar Grand Prix with renewed optimism after a promising display in Austin. Even though the final results did not meet expectations, his performance showcased competitiveness that had been elusive since the season’s start. As he gears up for the night race in Lusail Desert, Viñales is determined to continue evolving while riding his KTM RC16.
The Spanish rider expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We’re heading to Qatar with a good feeling after the improvements made last week in Austin. For sure, the outcome wasn’t what we wanted, but I felt fast and competitive throughout the weekend for the first time this season, and all I want is to go to Qatar and keep working in this direction.” This reflects Viñales’s commitment to maintaining momentum from the positive strides seen in Austin.
Viñales has a notable history at the Lusail circuit, having clinched victories there in 2017 and 2021. He remarked, “Doha is a track I really like, where I’ve had good results in the past, so we’ll try to be competitive from Friday and see how the weekend goes.” The Red Bull KTM Tech3 rider is hopeful of replicating past performances under the iconic night lights, a feature of the Qatar GP he finds particularly exciting.
The significance of this race extends beyond individual aspirations. It is a chance for Viñales to translate his recent form into tangible results, aiming for his first top 5 finish of the season. His pace in the United States instills confidence, and as he continues to refine his approach, Viñales remains optimistic about delivering a stellar performance in Qatar.
