MARVELLOUS MAVERICK
Yamaha’s MotoGP rider produces a monster ride to win in Sepang
fadhli.ishak@nst.com.my
MAVERICK Vinales secured a well deserved win for Monster Energy Yamaha with a dominant performance at the Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix yesterday.
The Spaniard, who started from second on the grid, took the lead from Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) at the tail end of the first lap and there was no looking back from there as he comfortably took the chequered flag in 40 minutes and 14.632 seconds.
Repsol Honda’s Marc Marquez, who started from 11th on the grid following his crash in qualifying, made a fantastic start to the race and was up to second by the third lap.
Marquez, however, did not have the race pace to reel in Vinales and was forced to settle for second. Ducati’s Andrea Dovizioso completed the podium.
Vinales dedicated his win to Afridza Munandar. The 20-yearold had died on Saturday from injuries sustained in a crash in the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup (ATC).
A minute of silence was observed in rememberance of Afridza before race two of ATC, which was held as a support race for MotoGP, yesterday.
“It was an incredible race, we prepared for it very well over the weekend. I felt that I had very good potential just after the first lap. I managed to take the lead in the first two splits,” said Vinales, who crashed while leading the race at Phillip Island.
“Then I just kept pushing and pushing. Honestly, I am so happy, the team did a great job.
“Being in first place is amazing, I would like to dedicate this race to the rider (Afridza) that died yesterday. He was my favourite (rider) in the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup, my condolence to the family.”
Marquez said he was happy with his result considering where he started from but was even more happy with his brother lifting the Moto2 World Championship title yesterday.
“It was an incredible race and incredible first lap for me. I lost some time (overtaking) Miller but Vinales was just faster than the rest of us today (yesterday),” said Marquez.
“I am happy with my race but you cannot imagine how happy I am for my brother’s victory (in Moto2). He worked very hard for it and he definitely deserves it.
“Overall it was an incredible day but we cannot forget young rider (Afridza) Munandar. I met him (Afridza) once and he was a really nice guy.
“Unfortunately, this (deaths) sometimes happen in motorcycle racing. Big hug to all the family and friends (of Afridza).”
It was, however, a bittersweet day for Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team (SRT) who could not live up to the potential they showed during practice and qualifying.
Fabio Quartararo, who started from pole, was forced to settle for seventh while teammate Franco Morbidelli was sixth.
Quartararo, who has already secured the Rookie of the Year title, was visibly disappointed.
“I struggled a lot and my first lap was a disaster. I had trouble with stopping the bike which is something that we had not encountered over the weekend,” Quartararo said. “We had the pace to fight for much better but unfortunately, we had a lot of problems and could not have the race we wanted. We have to check what exactly happened and regroup for Valencia.”
The SRT duo’s finishing position was, however, enough to see the fledgling team secure the MotoGP Top Independent Team title for this year.
Valencia will host the final round of the season on Nov 15-17.