Vinales Eyes Improvement in Japanese MotoGP Challenge: Seeks Redemption After Mandalika Pace Match with Martin

Maverick Vinales sees the Japanese MotoGP as a significant test for the team.

However, he found Mandalika more favorable than expected, noting, "Once I was riding solo, my pace matched Martin's."

After a disastrous performance with factory Aprilia, failing to score at the San Marino MotoGP race, Maverick Vinales has managed to stabilize his performance by securing sixth place finishes in both the Emilia Romagna and Indonesia rounds.

Vinales believed that the outcome at Mandalika on Sunday was more impressive than it appeared, noting that from the mid-point of the race onwards, his speed was comparable to that of the victor, Jorge Martin.

Having overtaken KTM's Brad Binder on the 15th lap, Vinales fell behind Martin by just 1.453 seconds over the subsequent 12 laps.

However, the harm had already been inflicted by beginning from the tenth position on the starting lineup

"Vinales mentioned, “Once I was on my own around laps 15-16, my pace was identical to Martin’s. So, that's not too shabby. I'm not sure how hard the leaders were pushing though."

"Truthfully, this past weekend, our speed was there, but our performance in the qualifying rounds fell short, which is crucial. It's essential for us to be accurate and perform well in every session."

"He emphasized that another chance would arise, urging preparedness. He also stated their intent to confront Japan with unchanged enthusiasm."

Vinales, the Spanish rider, has encountered issues with the bike's braking reliability, noting that its performance seems to vary with each lap.

Thus, the alternating pace of the Motegi circuit will significantly challenge their advancement.

"Vinales acknowledged that they are facing a significant challenge, particularly because the circuit is renowned for its intense braking requirements."

"Nonetheless, I believe this presents a chance to enhance our braking capabilities. I'm optimistic about our prospects for a positive outcome."

Aleix Espargaro, Espargaro's teammate, is eager to match his recent Sprint podium performance in Austria. "Motegi ranks high on my list of preferred circuits; it holds a unique place in the grand prix calendar for me. I'm looking forward to arriving and seeking an improved performance relative to the past several races," Espargaro stated.

"The circuit features a mix of halts and accelerations, and this season, we've seen advancements on such tracks, evidenced by securing a spot on the podium during the sprint race in Austria. Hence, we're optimistic about our performance here as well."

Vinales and Espargaro currently hold the seventh and eighth positions, respectively, in the global championship standings.

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