Maverick Vinales (Aprilia): “Marc is more in Ducati” / MotoGP

Maverick Vinales takes the first home race of the 2024 MotoGP season with the factory Aprilia RS-GP in Jerez de la Frontera at the weekend The incredible two-time winner in Austin answered questions from the media on Thursday and yet he seemed excited. Vinales recently made history in the United States and joined a very small club of pilots who have won races with three different MotoGP manufacturers: “To repeat that in Jerez – I dream of it! That would be wonderful. We should be honest and also intelligent. It won’t always be like Austin. We should always be at the forefront and get the best out of the bike. Jerez in particular is a good challenge because everyone knows the slopes well.

The former Moto3 world champion reflects: “I don’t see any negative points about our set-up. We should be at the same level as in Portimao and Austin. Later there is also a test. If there was a victory, I would be very happy.”
Vinales then reports from his own four walls: “Emotions were very high when I came home from Austin. I didn’t sleep for a minute on the plane, I was very happy and of course very tired. Rachel and I know the problems I had at the beginning. It was not easy for a long time – many times I hit the wall. That didn’t last until 2023. But there was no result for a long time on my road bike. When you succeed, things happen.”

About the narrow Andalusian track and the increased speed in the MotoGP World Championship, Maverick says: “There were improvements in two areas – tires and aerodynamics, a lot was done there. About the race track here: “You did a good job, you created more space – and in several angles. That’s what we asked for and that’s good news. We’re not faster at top speed because of aerodynamics.”

Regarding the characteristics of the Aprilia RS GP, Vinales says: “You can see it – even on TV – for example in Portimao in the last corner: our bike was very stable here. But other manufacturers also have their advantages. Jorge Martin can brake really hard in tight corners, and I’ll be watching that closely. If I get better at it, I can get out of the fast corners. But our bike is good everywhere. But for me it’s about losing a little bit, especially in the 180-degree corners. I focus mainly on the drivers who I know are doing things better.”

Regarding his progress, “Top Gun” says: “A lot changed when I came to Aprilia in 2021. I tell myself now that everything happens for a reason. I drove the first lap like the last lap in Austin. I also try to keep things simple and enjoy this beautiful sport.”

Regarding the rumors that Marc Marquez (31) may even join Aprilia, Vinales says: “When I hear these rumors, it means that we are doing a good job! But I see more Ducati. Every good race puts us in a good position, we also have to improve. The last thing for now is that I want to change something. Sure: There are big challenges in the paddock. We made history in Austin, a lot of people were very happy. I haven’t seen that before, maybe only when Valentino has won.”

Regarding extending his own contract, he says: “I’m in no rush. I want to see what others are doing. Massimo Rivola may want me to sign soon. I am 29 years old – I feel young – I still have enough time. I just want to be here, focus and do well – every weekend.