Fast start for Maverick Viñales in Japan, Luis Salom struggles to find rhythm

This Friday saw the first free practice sessions of the Japanese GP, the race that marks the start of the Asian stretch in the MotoGP calendar, 3 races on 3 consecutive weekends.

The championship is entering a very important part of the season, which the riders of team Páginas Amarillas HP 40 face with much optimism.

After winning the last race 2 weeks ago in Motorland Aragon, Maverick Viñales has arrives at the Motegi circuit with very good moral and the clear goal to achieve as many wins as possible during the last 4 races of the season.

His mind set on this aim, Maverick worked hard during today’s sessions, consistently positioning himself amongst the fastest riders. Maverick finished the day in 3rd place.

His teammate Luis Salom also worked well during the morning session, pushing himself into the top group and at just 7 tenths of Viñales’ time. In the afternoon, Salom and the team made some changes to the Kalex, which didn’t work well, and despite improving his fastest time Luis didn’t feel comfortable at all.

Maverick Viñales – 3rd place – 1.51.573
I’m happy because we achieved a good time. I have to work a lot because this track is very difficult and it just doesn’t allow for any errors. Tomorrow we have to continue our hard work to try and catch Tito because he is very strong. Our aim for the weekend without doubt is another win.

Luis Salom – 21st place – 1.52.699
The morning went rather well. The afternoon went a bit downhill. We made some changes that I didn’t like and I struggled to find my rhythm. This track is very wide and if you can improve by just a few tenths you gain quite a few positions. For tomorrow we have to try and improve because we know we can do better, and we can and have to be higher up so we have to work hard to get there.

Source: Pons Racing