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MAVERICK VIN!

WELL begun is half done, goes the saying, and Maverick Vinales would be among the first to endorse it.

The Yamaha rider retained his pre-season form and won the rain-truncated MotoGP season opener under lights at the Losail International Circuit last Sunday to send an early warning to his rivals.

Quite often, his boyish looks and daredevil acts on track have drawn parallels with that of reigning world champion Marc Marquez.

And going by current form, it is almost certain that the battle between the two Spaniards will rev up this season.

Starting from pole for the first time in his career, Vinales dropped to fifth at the first turn and needed 13 laps to take the lead.

He was then engaged in a riveting battle with Ducati’s Andrea Dovizioso before crossing the chequered flag 0.461sec ahead of the Italian.

Yamaha’s legendary rider Valentino Rossi finished third, a further 1.928sec behind and Marquez, who started third on the grid, came in fourth as organisers managed to find time between rains to stage the dramatic race.

It brought to an end a week of drama, anticipation and excitement after the unseasonal rains had sent scheduling for a toss. The qualification was cancelled as the track was found unsafe to ride, with the grid being decided on the basis of combined free practice times.

The skies cleared on the race day, but there was another twist when it drizzled just before the start and finally it was reduced to a 20-lap race from the original 22.

But the wet track and moist conditions did not dampen Vinales’s spirit.

“It feels great! Honestly, the track was so difficult. I was taking so much care at the start. The bike was great. I’ve to say thanks to the team. Even if the conditions were difficult, we were there all the time. I’m so pleased to be with Yamaha,” said Vinales, who became the first rider after Casey Stoner in 2011 (Repsol Honda) to win a race on debut with a new team.

Unlike the previous season, when he was expected to win an odd race or two, Vinales is tipped to become the world champion this season and the onus is on the 22-year-old to live up to it.

“The feeling when I crossed the line was incredible. Being the first victory with Yamaha, it was even more important than my first MotoGP win, because there was so much pressure. 

“We were leading all the (pre-season) tests and everyone told me “You can do it”. And finally we did, so I’m happy how I handled the pressure. The team worked really good”, added Vinales.

The caravan now moves to the Termas de Rio Honda circuit in Argentina for the next race on April 9 and the maverick is ready!

“I hope for a perfect race in Argentina,” he signed off. 

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