Maverick Viñales, third in Assen, achieved his first podium with Aprilia since making his debut with the Italian brand at the last round in Aragón in the 2021 season. After starting 11th on the grid, the Spanish rider managed to move up the standings during the first laps of the Dutch Grand Prix, getting into his RS-GP at the top of the points race.
“It was a difficult race, but I enjoyed it a lot,” said the Spaniard after finishing the race. “We came from Germany, where we thought we could fight for the podium, so we kept that inertia and that motivation. From the warm up I knew that I could be in the front, but not that I could make up so many places in the first few laps, so I have to give it thanks to Aprilia because they are working very well”, thanked the man from Rosas.
The Aprilia rider confirmed the good feeling and a big step forward at the Noale factory. “Step by step we have achieved a great performance, now there are circuits where I go very fast and where I will try to fight for victory”.
Something not easy, because “there are many riders who are going very strong”, according to the Catalan. “I don’t have such a high level, but little by little we are getting closer.”
“This is a consequence of the hard work we have done and not throwing in the towel,” he assured. “[I’m] very happy for Aprilia because we really wanted to be both on the podium.”
Maverick also wanted to comment on the key moment in his boxing partner’s career: “I thought that Aleix [Espargaró] had retired and when I turned around and saw him I said ‘come on, look how well, how fast it went'”.
With a great fellowship by flag, the rider from Rosas assured that “it doesn’t matter if you are first or second, we want this bike to be the most competitive. We always think of working as a team, from Mugello we are doing it together and I think that That makes us go stronger.”
“I feel like the hard work we’re doing is finally paying off.”
However, in order to repeat the podium, Viñales is aware that there are things that he has to improve.
“When I go to qualifying, somehow, I am not able to extract the maximum potential of the bike, especially with new tires behind us. We have a good pace in the race, but I have to make a good set-up to go better in time attac k,” he explained.
“In the second part [of the season] we will surely be stronger and Aleix is close in the championship, so if I go faster in a race, it is important that he finishes ahead of me.”
“In the end I work for Aprilia and we do it together. That will make us stronger. If he has the opportunity and I have to let him pass, I will do it. If he has opportunities, I will help him without a doubt”, he commented, apparently taking on a role as a second pilot .
In the team world championship, Aprilia, in first position, already has 213 points compared to 197 for Yamaha, which is tied with Ducati.
“This great team deserves to be on the podium every weekend and I want to push hard.”
“Thanks to my family, who keeps me in the best spirits. I really want to go to Silverstone,” said Viñales.
“I’m the happiest man in the world, I can’t ask for anything more. I have a very competitive bike, a very good team and Aprilia is supporting me. I have everything I’ve dreamed of and I’m ready to go flat out. I’m going to push every day to be stronger. The level is very high, but I already know what I’m capable of achieving”, concluded the Spaniard.
