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In an ever-renewing MotoGP, in which the new recruits manage to make their way without too many reverential fears, for the veterans the going is getting really tough. However, there are those like Maverick Vinales, who from the "height" of his 29 years of age can already be considered a veteran and who has already been through a complex moment when he was younger, in 2021 when his contract with Yamaha was terminated during the course of the season, managing to arrive at Aprilia, which still fields him today and is seeing him experience a phase of true splendour and form.
"When it happened, it was difficult to find the motivation to continue racing having won many races and having already earned enough ," he confided to TNT Sports at the recent Jerez de la Frontera GP, " The only reason that keeps me here is the hunger for success and the motivation that by committing myself and exploiting my talent I can be able to get the most out of each bike. I expected to do it earlier when the opportunities presented themselves, but in the end I'm just doing it now," he said about his current form.
Asked when the turning point occurred, the Spaniard had no doubts: "Starting with Qatar last November. In Valencia I had the confirmation by scoring the pole and the fastest lap, but in the tests in Malaysia with the new bike I felt lost. I didn't believe it. Then in Lusail I could have fought for the victory, but I didn't feel comfortable on the bike. Then in Portimao, I forced myself to ride even though I was not well. In general experience helps, especially my beginnings in Suzuki when having zero experience I helped the team with development. I know what a bike needs and have a certain sensitivity in judging what is good and what is not, which makes me useful for the manufacturer."
He was also clear about the goals for the remainder of the season. "The key is to be fast. However, we are aware that at some circuits others will be better placed, but we will try to always finish in the top five. That has to be the mentality," he remarked without forgetting the desire to finish ahead of everyone else.
Looking even further into the future, the Catalan stated confidently and optimistically, "There are options on the table. Interesting projects, but for now my mind is on the present. Every time I manage to have weekends like Austin or Portimao my position in the negotiations gets stronger, so I'm not worried. I just think about performing well on the track."
