MotoGP: Viñales out to defend his Silverstone title

Reigning British Grand Prix champion Maverick Viñales says he’s out to defend his title come Sunday, as he sets out to repeat last year’s Suzuki-mounted feat on a Yamaha come Sunday’s race at the Northamptonshire circuit.

And he’s got a strong base to build on too, after a successful one-day test for him and teammate Valentino Rossi at Misano earlier this week – a test that the Spaniard says will help out come Sunday’s race.

“I’m really excited to arrive at Silverstone again. It’s a special track for me as I won my first MotoGP race there last year, so I will give my 100%. We completed the private Misano test with a good feeling and we will work hard to find a good set-up when we start work in Silverstone on Friday.

“I like the track lay-out a lot, because there are many fast corners, many chicanes, and that’s something that really suits my riding style. Honestly, it’s one of the best tracks on the calendar. Its one of the Grand Prix that I’m always eager to go to and I will do my best and give my maximum to repeat last year’s victory.”

And Rossi also thinks he’s in a good position as he heads to a track that he loves, after an equally successful outing at Misano for the nine-time world champion.

“We go to Silverstone after a day of testing in Misano and I want to go back on track immediately to find out if we have been able to find positive solutions to improve our bike. Silverstone is a very fun and beautiful track but also very demanding. This track is very long and there are so many changes of direction at high speed. It’s important to find a perfect set-up of the bike, in braking and in the fast corners. It’s a really nice track for me and for my riding style. I want to do a good weekend and fight for the podium.”