Maverick Viñales (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) had a podium drought before the Czech GP, but at Brno the Spaniard was back on the rostrum for the first time since Mugello and put together a solid comeback through the field in a tough flag-to-flag. Now, the goal is to keep getting on the podium - with the rider from Roses saying this stage in the season will be the key to eventually taking the title.
Hats off to @maverickmack25 and @ValeYellow46 at the #CzechGP. We'll be back on track Friday for the #AustrianGP. #MovistarYamaha #MotoGP pic.twitter.com/bji2nHTPIh
— Yamaha MotoGP (@YamahaMotoGP) 8 August 2017
A positive Brno test and the knowledge that the Yamahas were the closest challenger to Ducati last year at the track make for some optimism ahead of the Austrian GP - and Viñales says he's ready:
Maverick Viñales: "After being back on the podium again last weekend, we are more confident and I feel strong going in to the next Grand Prix. On Monday in Brno we also tried many things, like working on the acceleration, that will be very important for the race in Austria. We improved many items during the test and I feel happy and ready for this round. We know that we have to be on the podium at the next races if we want to win this championship, and for that we have to continue this good feeling and go for the victory."