MotoGP Misano: Vinales has ‘potential to fight for the win’

Aprilia’s Maverick Viñales was firmly back at the sharp end of MotoGP at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli on Saturday.

A strong day on the Adriatic Coast, despite changeable and tricky weather conditions, saw Viñales repeatedly challenge at the top of the timesheets. Having claimed his place in the top five during FP3, the Spaniard went better in FP4 with just Enea Bastianini beating him, by a mere 0.036s.

“I’m happy,” Viñales explained from the San Marino Paddock on Saturday afternoon. “I’m actually really pleased about the day.

“FP3 has been amazing because the fast lap we were in top three so it was very good and then FP4, good rhythm, consistent in the ‘32 lows that I think it’s going to be the rhythm for tomorrow. In qualifying I give my best. I give my best because was not easy, was raining, no raining was tricky conditions but then at the end, with the penalty of Pecco, I will start P4.

“Is a perfect position for tomorrow! Was the objective of the weekend to start in the front or second row so actually really pleased.

“I’m really happy how the things are going and how we are working with Aprilia. Every time I’m feeling better and better on the bike.”

Qualifying fifth, but ready to line up fourth for Sunday’s 27-lap race due to Pecco Bagnaia’s three place grid drop, Viñales has his maiden victory aboard the RS-GP in his sights.

“We’re gonna try for sure!” Viñales confirmed. “This is the real objective, the real objective is to try to win a race. It’s not easy because everyone is going very fast but we want to try. We’re gonna try and we’re gonna push for it.

“Every race I feel it’s closer. I feel well prepared for tomorrow. We will push and we will see then on the race where we are but for sure we have the