Few drivers, if any, would be willing in advance and so far in advance of the end of a season to openly discuss, and accept, team orders. However, Maverick Viñales expanded on the subject this Thursday in the run-up to the British Grand Prix , putting the interests of his factory before his own, which are none other than winning a race before finishing the course.
They spoke to Maverick about team orders, knowing the great friendship that unites him with his partner Aleix Espargaró, immersed in the fight for the championship.
“Team orders are something we will have to talk about, because Aleix is playing for his title and I am far away. We will talk about it, because it may happen that I am ahead of him (in a race). I want Aprilia to win and achieve the goals”, offered the Catalan open to collaboration.
This Sunday, at Silverstone , Aprilia feels that it has a great opportunity for Aleix to cut points from Fabio Quartararo, the World Championship leader, who will have to face a long lap in the first few laps of the race.
“I don’t have to win to understand the team orders. I want Aprilia to win. One of our strengths is that the two sides of the garage are one; we work together. When the time comes to work for the good of the collective, we will do it. When I have to ride with Aleix, I’ll do it. It’s good that I’m at the front because that’s how I show my potential; but it’s also good for Aleix, because I can fight with the other riders in front.”
Maverick achieved his first victory in the premier class in 2016, with Suzuki, at Silverstone.
“The good thing about this circuit is that all the sectors are similar. I come with the mentality that all the tracks have to be good for us, but there is something special with Silverstone. It has done very well for me in the past,” he recalled.
Facing the second half of the course, in addition to helping Aleix in his goal, Viñales has clear ambitions.
“I plan the second part of the season with the idea of winning a race, that’s the goal. I’m calm and I think I can do the job,” he warns.
After getting his first podium with the RS-GP at the last Dutch Grand Prix , Mack has not finished his learning cycle.
“I don’t think the adaptation phase to this bike has finished. Being at the front throughout the race is something important,” the Costa Brava rider settles.
