“His failure to perform led him down the path he’s on now, which is why he ended up at Aprilia.”
Maverick Vinales’ inconsistency has been cited as the reason behind his representation for three different manufacturers in MotoGP.
Vinales achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first rider to secure grand prix victories with three distinct brands, culminating in his triumph at the Circuit of the Americas aboard his Aprilia.
This feat stands as a remarkable accomplishment, surpassing even the achievements of Valentino Rossi.
However, to solidify his position as a genuine contender for the championship, Vinales must demonstrate consistency and a resilient mindset, according to Neil Hodgson of TNT Sports.
Hodgson remarked, “His failure to perform consistently led him to his current situation. That’s why he now rides for Aprilia.” He added, “He’s switched manufacturers three times because he couldn’t establish himself firmly with the initial manufacturer.”
“The truth is, his inconsistency within teams…eventually led to teams losing faith in him,” Hodgson emphasized. “That’s the undeniable reality of the situation we’ve witnessed.”
“His speed? He’s on par with the fastest rider in the paddock. Everything seems to be at the highest level.
“But in MotoGP, mental strength is crucial. Unfortunately, there are moments where he seems to struggle, resulting in dips in form.
“I find it challenging to understand Maverick because I’m trying to solve the puzzle.”
Sylvain Guintoli responded, “I’m optimistic about Maverick and Aprilia. When he won his first race at Silverstone with Suzuki, it seemed like he was destined to lead Yamaha’s MotoGP effort. He showed incredible speed, especially during winter testing, but it never quite materialized. It ended in disappointment.
“When Aprilia signed him, I saw it as a risk, but it seems to be paying off now. His confidence is growing. Maverick’s mental state can fluctuate; he’s a unique character, unlike anyone else.”
Hodgson remarked, “He’s almost too nice. To beat the best, you need a killer instinct, a selfish drive on the track.”
Vinales currently holds fifth place in the MotoGP standings after four rounds, trailing championship leader Jorge Martin by 29 points. His ninth-place finish at the recent Spanish MotoGP wasn’t the ideal outcome, especially after his victory in Texas.
Nonetheless, Vinales has consistently been at the front this season, riding a competitive Aprilia that has emerged as a top challenger to Ducati.
THE BEST I HAVE EVER SEEN HIM
“In the past, Vinales has shown flashes of brilliance followed by periods of inconsistency,” remarked Guintoli. “And he can’t always pinpoint why. He possesses immense talent and strength, particularly when everything aligns perfectly and his confidence is high, allowing him to flow effortlessly.
However, he’s also prone to having off days, as we’ve seen. Sometimes he qualifies strongly but struggles in the race, failing to recover from a poor start.
Yet, in Austin, he delivered an absolutely phenomenal performance.”
Reflecting on Vinales’ victory at COTA after losing pole position, Hodgson remarked, “Typically, he would claw his way back to seventh place, showing glimpses of his potential. But this time, it was different.
His racecraft was impeccable. He executed every move with precision, displaying both decisiveness and instinct. It was perhaps the finest display of motorcycle riding I’ve witnessed from him balanced yet aggressive.”
Guintoli added, “He was in a class of his own. It felt like he was competing in a completely different league.”
