Yamaha on Vinales fall: 'He did nothing different'

Movistar Yamaha team director Massimo Meregalli reiterated that they can find nothing on the data to explain why Maverick Vinales fell on lap 2 of Sunday's Austin MotoGP.

The accident, while in a close fourth place, brought an end to a perfect start at Yamaha, having won both previous races.

"It was very unfortunate that Maverick's race ended early because, judging by the pace he displayed all weekend, he would certainly have been able to challenge for the victory," Meregalli said.

"We have checked the data and there's nothing strange or different from what he has done since Friday.

"The front closed without any warning and he could not do anything to save it. It's a great pity because he was really confident on the bike, so we take that away from this race weekend as a positive.

"We're certain he will come back strong in Spain in two weeks' time."

With the data providing no clues, Vinales suggested that his front tyre may have been the issue : "I'm calm. I know it was not our mistake. I know there was something more."

Either way, the DNF cost Vinales the world championship lead to team-mate Valentino Rossi, who finished in second place between Repsol Honda riders Marc Marquez and Dani Pedrosa.

"Valentino did a fantastic job to take a very important second place. His start was good and played a vital role. He positioned his YZR-M1 exactly right and this allowed him to chase the leading duo," Meregalli said.

"It was inevitable for him to go onto the run-off area after the incident with Zarco, but Vale's experience shone through again. He was quick to get his head down and at the end we get to celebrate a strong second place, even after the questionable 0.3s penalty."