Viñales planning a change of tactics for Argentina

Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Maverick Viñales will ‘try to be a little bit more aggressive’ throughout the practice sessions of the Argentinian Grand Prix after admitting he couldn’t replicate the pace he had on his own in the multi-rider fight for the VisitQatar Grand Prix win.

After grabbing the first pole position of the 2019 MotoGP™ World Championship, the Spaniard slipped to seventh in Sunday’s race after complaining of rear grip issues and the inability to overtake his closest rivals.

“I will maybe have to do things differently in Argentina. Try to fight with the riders in practices, try to be a little bit more aggressive. We will try something in order to improve,” said Viñales when asked how he would overcome the difficulties he endured during the 22-lap race.

The former Moto3™ World Champion dropped from pole position to seventh place on the opening lap and wasn’t able to move further up the field thereafter, despite setting the third fastest lap of the race.

“What happened is I could not overtake, that is the problem. When I was alone, I could do 1:55 laps but as soon as I arrive to other riders, I couldn’t overtake so I lose many, many seconds. I was struggling with the rear grip.

“I couldn’t find a good rhythm; a good rear contact and I couldn’t overtake. It was so difficult to overtake, even with the lack of top speed on the main straight, but it is what it is. I mean this only the first race, so we’ll keep working.”

Viñales will be hoping to bounce back at Termas de Rio Hondo and replicate the performance that saw him pick up his third premier class victory two years ago.