Maverick Vinales says the truth that he was in a position to obtain a aggressive time assault lap in low-grip situations on the primary day of Sepang MotoGP testing is a constructive signal for the brand new KTM.
KTM had a extra productive Sepang take a look at this week in comparison with final 12 months, with the Austrian producer being extra proactive with improve gadgets.
All through the three days, the RC16 seemed aggressive, however attributable to a wide range of elements, KTM made it by means of the ultimate session with out making a consultant time assault.
Pedro Acosta was the model’s favourite in eighth place, whereas Maverick Viñales was 14th on the finish of the ultimate day.
Nonetheless, Vinales was fourth on the primary day, giving him confidence in his new KTM package deal as Tuesday’s lack of grip didn’t maintain him again.
“Mainly, the bike we bought proper off the bat felt actually good and had actually good suggestions,” he mentioned.
“An important factor for me specifically was on the finish of the primary day and I used to be in a position to set an excellent lap time, which is an efficient signal as a result of the grip is normally not good on the primary day.
“And having a motorcycle that works with out grip means you could be aggressive.
“So we are going to hold this bike and attempt to enhance it in Thailand.”
Vinales was not pleased with the course of his set-up on the ultimate day and pointed to the bike package deal he rode on Tuesday because the course he was heading to Thailand.
“The third day was additionally constructive,” he mentioned.
I feel immediately was a day for me to verify what I like and what I do not like.
“I attempted totally different setups, particularly when it got here to time assault, however I feel what I ended up with on the primary day turned out to be the very best base for me.
“And this was the sensation I favored, so immediately was positively not constructive when it comes to lap occasions.
“However we had been very proactive when it comes to deciding the place to go.
“I used to be in a position to trip the bike and perceive and work on method and driving type.
“So immediately I targeted on discovering an excellent setup for the time assault. I feel I have already got an excellent base.”
The Buriram take a look at will happen on February 21-22, with the opening match of the 2026 marketing campaign scheduled for the next weekend.
