Maverick Vinall recovered from Friday’s crash and finished eighth in the French MotoGP practice timesheet, securing a direct passing in Qualifying 2 for the Home Tech3 KTM team.
The Spaniards were suspended after fourth at Jerez, second in the post-race Test, only 0.005 seconds behind Mark Marquez during the front-end crash.
“It was already Good Friday from FP1. I’m happy with the rhythm. Still, we need to adjust the bike a little more. I’m lying down a bit too much on some parts of the track. That’s why I crashed.”
Vinales, who quickly rejoined the spare RC16, was able to improve on his previous best to finish the session just behind fellow KTM rider Pedro Acosta.
But it was his race pace that gave Vinares the greatest confidence heading into Saturday’s sprint.
Francesco Bagnaia said he tipped Venares and Fabio Cartalaro into the podium battle for tomorrow, the former Suzuki, Yamaha and Aprilia Race winner responded:
“Yes, I feel it on paper that was getting very fast in rhythm today. One lap requires a little more, but I know that tomorrow needs to be adjusted. From a rhythm perspective, I’m sure I can fight in front of me.”
Maverick Vinall, Motogue, France in 2025
Still switching from Aprilia, in the early stages of adapting to the RC16, Venares claims that the bike is finally beginning to feel like she is.
The location of the front row is a qualifying goal, but otherwise Veeranales claims he will remain focused on tweaking.
“I’m sure I’m pushing on the max of the bike, all the max. We see where we are, but anyway, I don’t look much in that position. I’m looking for emotions and it feels good.”
Teammate Enea Bastianini missed the automatic Q2 spot again and finished in 13th place.
“Today was a positive day with laps improving my lap. I’m happy with the progress. Every track this year behaves differently than what I’ve been used to in the past, so every track this year is a reset for me, but we’re working on it.”
