Monster Energy Yamaha rider Maverick Vinales has rarely shone in Valencia in MotoGP, although he loves the Ricardo Tormo circuit. He will have to turn things around this weekend, at the European Grand Prix, if he wants to keep any title chances.
Vinales has never been so close to becoming MotoGP world champion since pointing 19 points behind the championship leader. So close, and yet so far: he has recently struggled to perform on his Yamaha, has not obtained the results he wanted in Aragon and has not been on the podium for four races.
The last three Grands Prixs are just as many chances for Vinales to catch up, but for that he absolutely needs to shine in Valence, where two events will take place in two weekends.
There has never been better than 5th in MotoGP (2016), 6th with the Yamaha (2019). He will have to progress to hope to stay in the title race.
“It’s true that the last race was not the most positive of all, but it’s important not to let ourselves be affected for these last three events.” Vinales said.
“We need to work hard, focus, keep a positive mindset, and strive for the best possible results with each session. Valencia is generally a bit tricky for us, but personally I really like this circuit. It’s not going to be an easy weekend but we will give our maximum as always.
Contaminated by Covid-19 since October 15, Valentino Rossi is still not rid of it three weeks later. Recovered, he hoped to take part in the European Grand Prix this weekend, after having already missed the two races in Aragon, in October. But the PCR test carried out on Tuesday, November 3 was again positive.
“This virus is very complicated and serious. I felt bad for two days, then in a few days I came back to being fully fit, at my 100%. I self-isolated at home all the time and I followed the medical advice closely.” Rossi said.
“It‘s a very sad and difficult situation, but that‘s the way it is. Unfortunately, yesterday (Tuesday 3rd November), I had another test and it came back positive again, like all previous ones. Luckily I still have two more chances to be back on track on Friday or Saturday.” Rossi added.
