After some good pace in qualifying, Movistar Yamaha rider Maverick Viñales started the Austrian GP from the second row at the weekend. However, things didn't quite go entirely to plan for the young Spanish rider, as he missed a chance for back-to-back podiums and secured a 6th at Spielberg instead.
Viñales ran wide during the early stages of the race while making a move on Movistar Yamaha teammate Valentino Rossi, but he was back to the seven-rider fight for the lead with 15 laps to go. Contending with some rear grip issues, the Spaniard seemed to be closing in on Johann Zarco (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) in fifth - but eventually crossed the line behind the Frenchman to take P6.
Viñales is now 24 points behind Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) in the standings, and is outside the top three for the first time this season after being leapfrogged by Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team). But when racing returns at Silverstone, he could have an ace up his sleeve - having taking his first ever premier class win at the venue last season.
Maverick Viñales, P6: “I suffered from a big drop in grip of the rear tyre for almost the entire race. When I went wide as I was fighting with Valentino, I just tried to calm down, make the tyre work until the end, but it was totally impossible. Not only with other manufacturers, but also with Zarco, it was really difficult to keep following them. We have to work really hard if we want to fight for this championship. I like Silverstone a lot, it is one of the best tracks on the calendar. I always like going there, I really like the lay-out. I will go for the best result possible, trying to be on top”.