MotoGP: Brno test ‘not possible’ for Viñales

Movistar Yamaha rider Maverick Viñales has admitted that Monday’s test at Brno was just not possible for him to compete in, after being knocked out of Sunday’s Czech Grand Prix at the track by Honda wildcard Stefan Bradl. Fit to compete in this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix, he nonetheless says that he was suffering after both the crash and a tough weekend.

“I’m fine after the crash in Brno. It was a weekend to forget, so I can‘t wait to arrive in Austria. Unfortunately, it wasn‘t possible for me to test in Brno, because I was a little sore from the crash, and we decided I should rest in order to be 100% ready for the next round. I had planned to try some things in Brno on Monday, like working on the acceleration, that will be very important at the Red Bull Ring where the top speed is crucial considering the track layout. However, testing wasn’t possible for me.

“As I‘ve been saying during the last GPs, we know that we have to continue scoring points to be at least in the top-3 in the championship standings and to have the option to win this year’s title. Last year in Austria the race was not good for us, and we finished sixth and seventh, so I sincerely hope that this year we can bring home a better result and we will work hard for that”

And while teammate Valentino Rossi was able to complete the day’s testing (albeit without any major new components to try), he also isn’t expecting a much better weekend at the Red Bull Ring, a track where the Yamaha has suffered since it returned to the championship in 2016.

“August is a very intense month. After the race and the test in Brno we will immediately get back on track in Austria. This will allow us to continue the work we are doing to improve the bike. The Austrian circuit has never been very positive or a favourite for us and last year we suffered. But this year’s bike has improved and we will try to have a good weekend and fight for the podium. We will do our best.”