Maverick Viñales ‘proud’ of the Portuguese GP: ‘We took an incredible step compared to Qatar’

The MotoGP Portuguese Grand Prix saw a great performance from Maverick Viñales. The Aprilia rider won the Sprint race in Portimão and was very close to finishing second in the main race – ending up towards the back due to bike issues.

Nevertheless, the Spaniard left Portugal very pleased. There is now a three-week break until the Americas GP, which Viñales said is good for the team:

– I think these three weeks are fantastic for the guys, to look at the data. To really understand why… well, we know why we were fast this weekend, but the most important thing is to try to have the setup and be within these numbers at all tracks, regardless of the conditions. I think we made an incredible step comparing to Qatar and also comparing to the test because I felt very different.

Despite the outcome, Viñales was very pleased and encouraged by his performance in Portimão: ‘It was good to really understand the numbers. We need to be within certain numbers to be able to be so fast. There’s not much to add. I really want to tell Aprilia that this has to be an encouragement for the next races. Of course, the next races are fantastic, especially for me. We need to be happy and we need to be really proud of what we did this weekend.’