Movistar Yamaha MotoGP’s 2017 signing Maverick Viñales is making a habit of topping timesheets. After going fastest on first contact with his YZR-M1 at the post-race test following the 2016 season finale in Valencia, Viñales did it again as 2017 action opened in Sepang, setting a 1:59.368 and completing 72 laps on Day 3 to put in the best time of the test.
After concentrating largely on race pace on Day 2, the Spaniard did the same on the third and final day – and is happy with both the progress and the prognosis for the next test in Phillip Island, February 15th - 17th.
MV25, P1: “Today again, like yesterday, we worked mainly on the race pace. We improved the pace a lot. I am quite surprised I could attain a 1'59 and I am really happy, because it was very fast and the bike was going well. We tried many things during this week, so I think we can have a better package for the next test in Australia. We will bring many good things to Phillip Island. At the moment it is difficult to say which aspect of the bike surprised me most. We are developing the bike, trying to better the package that we have, and I think for sure we have the best bike at the moment for one lap and on race distance. Step by step we are choosing the best things.”