Maverick Vinales’ form is on the up again after his injury misfortune – How his coach Jorge Lorenzo and Tech3 team manager Nicolas Goyon see the situation
Maverick Vinales’ recent progress is once again making positive headlines in the MotoGP paddock. Both his performance coach Jorge Lorenzo and Nicolas Goyon, team manager at Tech3, agree that the Spaniard is now much more stable, both physically and mentally.
After a long period of injury, one thing in particular was crucial: his physical condition. Now Vinales can ride with complete confidence again. Lorenzo is visibly relieved after the test rides in Sepang. “Especially after he woke up on the second day and showed that his shoulder was okay after a tough MotoGP day,” says the former rider in an interview with MotoGP.com.
Lorenzo sees the fact that Vinales woke up the next morning and his shoulder wasn’t causing him any problems as a relief: “Without health, without physical fitness, you can’t be fast. So it’s a huge relief for him and the team. He’ll be 100 percent fit for motorcycling.”
Lorenzo: Viñales should become No. 1 at KTM
Looking back, Lorenzo can well understand his rider’s frustration during the long enforced break. “It’s happened to me many times. You’re riding a MotoGP bike, everything seems to be going well, the future looks bright, and the next moment you’re injured and have to wait two, three, five, six months.”
In MotoGP, everything can change in an instant. But despite the setbacks, Lorenzo believes Vinales can regain his position.
“He was the strongest KTM rider until his injury, and I believe that even though Pedro [Acosta] is very strong and it won’t be easy, he can do it again. That’s what we’re working on,” emphasizes the Spaniard. The goal is clear: Vinales should once again become the number one KTM rider.
Lorenzo knows how challenging this undertaking is. Acosta brings enormous energy and a lot of talent to the table. “But Maverick has pure speed and talent.” If he can find the right riding feel, the right setup, and full confidence, he can beat Acosta—and “fight for victories in some races.”
Goyon: Viñales is happy and fast again
Team manager Goyon also describes a clearly positive development. It has been a long time since he has seen Viñales so happy and physically strong on the bike. Especially after such a difficult season last year.
After his injury, the Spaniard made several attempts to make a comeback, but each time he lacked the necessary strength. He rode without really being able to enjoy it.
“We know that the bike rode Maverick rather than the other way around,” says Goyon, describing this phase. Under such conditions, it is not possible to ride a MotoGP machine optimally. The winter was therefore devoted entirely to recovery. Viñales consciously took the time to do this.
At the same time, the collaboration with Jorge Lorenzo began. According to Goyon, the new constellation provided additional momentum and new motivation. “They both work very hard together.” Viñales completed many laps on special training tracks during the winter and was well prepared for the tests.
“His physical condition is very good. According to him, this is the first time since Sachsenring that he is riding at 100 percent again. That’s really good news, and I think he’s enjoying it. We know that a happy rider is a fast rider.”
What is surprising to many observers is how present Lorenzo is in the KTM pit now. However, Goyon explains that the collaboration is developing organically. “We’ve known Jorge for a long time, especially at Tech3, as a partner of Yamaha. We know each other very well,” emphasizes Goyon, outlining the extent to which he supports Viñales. “He advises Maverick on his position on the bike, his position on the track, and his lines, while the crew in the garage works as usual.”
Goyon says they are still discovering how to make the most of the collaboration. But the start is promising. “We are all working together to improve the setup. So far, it’s going well, but it’s only the beginning,” says Goyon.
