Vinales fastest, 'better and better every exit'

Maverick Vinales' turbulent pre-season took another twist as the rider who had been 12th fastest on the final day in Thailand topped the timesheets in Qatar.

The Movistar Yamaha rider, winner on his M1 debut at the Losail circuit a year ago, finished the opening evening just 0.051s ahead of Ducati's Andrea Dovizioso.

"Especially in Thailand we had a lot of problems oi the braking area with the rear sliding a lot," Vinales said. "Here we tried a different set-up.

"In the beginning I didn't feel so good, I felt the same problems as in Thailand, but after changing the set-up I started to feel better and better every exit.

"In the last exit I did many laps in a row and tried to concentrate on my riding style and it looks quite good. The bike was very constant and I could ride well, but still there are many areas to improve, especially corner speed and turning.

"Sure this track is a little bit better suited to our bike. But anyway in the areas where we wanted to improve, we improved and that's very positive.

"Tomorrow we want to try to improve especially the engine brake. It's very important. Try to make sure the rear has grip.

"We have different tyres, different bike, it's so difficult to compare to last year. For sure one thing that is still really good is the fast corners. I'm as fast as before."

The Spaniard revealed he is yet to make a final decision on which combination of parts he will use for the start of the season.

"Still it's not sure. We are trying everything and we have to decide at the end. At the last moment."

Team-mate Valentino Rossi also topped the timesheets on his way to joint sixth place (+0.379s).