For the first time since joining Aprilia, Maverick Viñales managed to take the chequered flag ahead of teammate Aleix Espargaro. Given that it came just seven days after the latter claimed victory in Argentina, it certainly makes it a more impressive feat as the Spaniard and RS-GP continue to gel.
Following on from a P7 at Termas, Viñales claimed P10 at COTA, marking the first time since joining the Noale factory that he has claimed consecutive top 10 finishes. It represents progress for the number 12, who feels that he had the ability to run with the podium contenders on Sunday if he hadn’t qualified further back on the grid.
"Every race I feel stronger, every race I feel more with the bike. Today I had the pace to be in the top three. Actually, I’m happy. I’m not worried about the potential because I know what it is. We need to somehow figure out one lap (pace). I’m happy, my feeling is coming back and this is the most important thing,” Viñales told motogp.com.
The Grand Prix of The Americas was his ninth race in Aprilia colours, with his tenth fast approaching at the Algarve International Circuit in Portimao. Having already picked up race experience on the RS-GP there at the tail end of 2021, and on the back of his run of results since his Yamaha days, are we on the verge of seeing a return to form for Maverick Viñales? Should he find the one lap pace he is searching for, we wouldn't bet against it.
The Tissot Grand Prix of Portugal kicks off the European leg of the 2022 Championship on April 24th.