Vinales 'really happy', 'somehow we've improved a lot'

When some head-shaking from Maverick Vinales' Yamaha through the fast right-handers at Misano was swiftly followed by the rider doing the same, it looked like no progress was being made during front-end changes planned for FP3.

But the Spaniard went on to deliver his usual new-tyre flyer to claim second place at the end of the session, then surprisingly revealed that - despite the impression given – he was 'really happy' after improving his race set-up 'quite a lot'.

The #12 is seeking to solve his long-standing grip problems in race conditions and, after work on the rear gave no reward on Friday, said he would be turning attention to the front tyre this morning by trying some experimental set-ups.

"I'm really happy because, somehow, we improved the race set-up quite a lot and that's something very positive for tomorrow," Vinales said after FP3. "This makes me feel much calmer.

"Then, during the time attack, I did two good laps. I think we can still improve a little bit more. There were a lot of crashes in front of me, so that affected my focus a little bit, but anyway I'm very enthusiastic and happy.

"The team did a great job this morning, which was needed, because we were a bit lost with the race set-up earlier. So, I'm quite happy and confident.

"Now we aim for the front row, and then we will see what we can do tomorrow."

Both Monster Yamaha riders made it directly through to thisafternoon's Qualifying 2 with team-mate Valentino Rossi snaring eighth on the combined timesheets, 0.553s from session leader Francesco Bagnaia (Pramac Ducati).

"As always, the FP3 session is very important, because you have to stay in the top 10. In the end, it was a good practice this morning," Rossi said. "I finished sixth in FP3 and did a good lap. In the combined practice results I am in P8, but the most important thing was to be inside the top 10. We are still working on the bike, because we have to improve. We will see this afternoon."