Maverick Vinales is back in Japan, determined to make Aprilia regret letting go of him at the end of the year. In Indonesia, the Spaniard was already expressing regret about his requests made during the winter, apparently not listened to by the Noale firm. This time again, the Aprilia bearing the number 12 is the only one floating in sixth position, far ahead of the others and well installed among the Ducatis. “Top Gun”, in the trough of the wave for some time – at least in terms of results – perhaps has one last trick up its sleeve…
It’s hard to know if this is the case for his colleagues, but Vinales had a good day in Motegi. « We are very satisfied with this Friday. I managed to express the full potential of the Aprilia RS-GP24. I’m happy with the way I ride, I am able to take the bike to the top and that makes me happy, motivated for the next few days » he said, certainly not in the most humble way. But those in front are always right.
Photo :
Michelin Motorsport
In Indonesia, he finished in a very honorable sixth place, proof of his newfound competitiveness. How does he put so much distance between himself and Aleix Espargaro? Only Maverick knows, and he is certainly not going to reveal his secrets to Aprilia, two months before leaving to find KTM Tech3. In Mandalika, he had already avoided detailing his problems so as not to say too much. A somewhat special approach, that’s for sure.
Photo :
Michelin Motorsport
For tomorrow, Maverick Vinales thinks even bigger.
“I think there is a way to do even better in qualifying. » he concluded. When we see the power of the Ducati today, coupled with an excellent Brad Binder on KTM, we wonder where Vinales finds all this ambition. The main thing is that it works.
Do you think Maverick Vinales will be able to score big points in Japan tomorrow? Tell us in the comments!
Practice result at the 2024 MotoGP Japanese Grand Prix:
Ranking credit: MotoGP.com
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport
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