Speedy Vinales Gets Even Faster

Movistar Yamaha Newcomer Maverick Vinales hasn’t tapped out the power of his new blue bike – how much further can he push it?

After several blazing test runs at Sepang, 22-year old Maverick Vinales has been turning heads since he climbed atop his new Yamaha machine. His results come as a shock to some and merely a continuation of the speed he’s already exhibited to others. Regardless of how one approaches his riding thus far, one thing is for certain: Vinales is quick, and if he stays this quick he’ll remain a serious contender for the 2017 MotoGP Championship title.

Based off of recent comments Vinales’ has made, it would seem that he’s aware of this, and he isn’t about to stop pushing the limit:

“I can still get even more from the Yamaha by refining my riding style. Phillip Island will be a good test because I love the track and I have always had a good time there. I’ll try to go faster than I did on the Suzuki last year” – Maverick Vinales

Vinales’ prowess on out on the track hasn’t gone unnoticed. After the Sepang tests, even Honda rival Marc Marquez piped up and commented that Vinales looked faster than Rossi out on the tarmac. It’s unclear if this was merely an observational gesture made by Marquez or something a little bit more insidious to stir up tensions between the two Yamaha racers. After Rossi’s tumultuous year alongside Jorge Lorenzo, it wouldn’t be farfetched to postulate that Rossi isn’t going to do everything he can to secure his next title win.

Of course, everything up until the season is merely speculation – but if the pre-season testing is anything to go off of, we could be looking at the beginning days of a new MotoGP World Champion.