Maverick Vinales - 'The behaviour of the bike is really nice '

Maverick Vinales didn't complete a lap on day five of the 2021 Qatar MotoGP test as windy conditions affected proceedings. 

The conditions were extremely windy and dusty which resulted in only a handful of riders completing laps. 

That leaves Vinales as the rider who topped the last full day of running and has certainly been one of the standouts of testing so far. 

The Monster Energy Yamaha rider has consistently been at the top in both race pace and qualifying trim, so it's no surprise to hear that 2021 preparations have gone well so far. 

Vinales said: "Yeah I think we worked quite well during these days and we tried many things (general things), which is important I think. But at the end of the day I think we understand quite well what we have, and where we are right now, and where we need to go. 

"The behaviour of the bike is really nice, it is handling really well which is really important and it is working really well on a full fuel tank.

"We know we need to still improve the start and we need to improve a few things on the bike which takes time, but we will work. Anyway I think the direction is good this year."

A recuring question that Vinales has had to deal with in recent times are his starts and competing with other riders in the opening laps. 

Ahead of the season opener, and upbeat Vinales added: "Yesterday I did my final runs with the new chassis. I felt very comfortable from the first lap which is a good sign and also the lap times are coming quite easy.

"It’s also another good sign of the chassis. But whatever the situation is we need to keep working for sure, as we will face a difficult weekend because of the race start and the main straight, but we have our strengths also that we can use.

"We will try to have a good weekend for sure and after the test my feelings are very good, we are on plan. We understand the situation and we will try to work very hard, to try to be as fast as we can, especially from the beginning of the race."

During the course of 2020, all too often we heard that the 2020 bike was not turning like the 2019 bike, and that it was more difficult to ride in general. 

When asked if the 2021 bike represents the feeling of the 19 bike more than last year, VInales said: "Well basically the differences are on the engine. It’s a long time ago that I tried the 2019 bikes, but the times that I have had the chance I could turn better.

"This is the only thing I remember. Franco did a great job on that bike, and is doing a really good job now, so it is positive that all the Yamaha’s are doing a good job. 

"To do it on the race weekend is where everything counts and the points are given."