Maverick Vinales believes a breakthrough MotoGP victory is within reach as he and the Tech3 KTM team continue closing the gap to the front-runners.
Despite a tough start to KTM’s 2024 campaign, Vinales has emerged as their standout rider. After leading in Qatar and finishing a close fourth at Jerez—KTM’s best result so far—he enters the French Grand Prix confident in his pace.
Reflecting on Jerez, Vinales said: “If we took out the first two laps where I fought a lot with Diggia, I was just 0.1 per lap slower than Alex [Marquez]. So it’s just details. We need to really find those details and keep working. It’s coming, but we need to be patient and work in a correct way.”
Vinales, who has celebrated victories at Le Mans across three classes, knows the French circuit well. However, he remains cautious about how the KTM will perform: “I don’t know if Le Mans will suit the KTM, but I’ll try to flow with the bike and give the maximum. Every new track gives me a new feeling, so I need to adapt fast.”
The Spaniard also noted a growing comfort with the KTM machine: “One of the biggest differences from the start of the season is now I just ride. I don’t have to overthink. I can go at the bike’s maximum from FP1, and that helps us prepare well for the weekend.”
Le Mans is also the home GP for the Tech3 team, and Vinales praised the passionate French fans: “The best thing is at 2am when the motorhome floor is shaking from the party! It’s always packed, always special. The fans push us to do our best.”
Currently 15th in the standings, Vinales trails KTM teammate Pedro Acosta by just seven points. Gresini’s Alex Marquez, now leading the championship, acknowledged Vinales’ recent performances: “What Maverick did in Qatar was amazing, and also in Jerez, especially when all his KTM teammates were struggling.”
