Maverick Viñales’ Motegi Misfortune: Ride Height Device Issue Derails Sprint Race Hopes

Maverick Vinales faces setback due to ride height device malfunction at Motegi MotoGP race

Aprilia competitor unable to leverage front row position in Japan sprint event

Maverick Vinales claims that his performance in the Japanese Grand Prix sprint race was hindered by an issue with his Aprilia MotoGP motorcycle's front ride height mechanism failing to deactivate at the beginning.

Throughout the weekend at Motegi, the Aprilia competitor has shown impressive performance and continued this streak into the qualifying round, securing a third-place start on the grid with his RS-GP.

However, he was unable to deactivate his front start mechanism entering the first turn, which caused him to fall from third to tenth place in the initial turns due to the aggressive maneuvers of the surrounding riders.

This influenced his race outcome, as Vinales managed to secure the ninth spot, the last points-earning position, by the time he reached the finish line.

"Initially in the race, I forgot to release the front mechanism which led to me dropping back multiple places," he explained.

"Sunday marks the next race, yet I remain hopeful. During the qualifiers, I somehow pulled off something extraordinary, and I'm aiming to replicate that success in the upcoming extended race as well."

Team member Aleix Espargaro, starting from 15th position, made his way close to the top 10, feeling quicker on a motorcycle configured similarly to Vinales'.

However, being stuck in the group resulted in Espargaro's front tire pressure skyrocketing, which led to his crash during the 10th lap of the 12-lap race.

"He mentioned that he had made some progress in the sprint race."

"I experimented with a new configuration, closely resembling Maverick's. It proved effective and I felt at ease."

"Actually, I was on my way back when suddenly the temperature and the pressure in the front tire significantly increased."

"At that moment, controlling the bicycle became incredibly difficult, and the front part seized, causing me to fall at the first bend."

Departing Aprilia technical chief Romano Albesiano commented, “Maverick securing third in the qualifiers boosted our confidence.

"Unfortunately, the beginning and the initial clash marred what could have been a strong finish for Maverick in the sprint race."

Aleix achieved significant progress in the sprint race by regaining multiple spots and nearing the group where Maverick was also competing.

"It's unfortunate that the accident occurred just two laps before the finish. In the upcoming race, we'll have another opportunity to showcase our capabilities."

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