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Maverick Vinales’ highly anticipated first outing on the KTM RC16 during the Barcelona test yielded optimism as he adjusted to the new machine and satellite team environment. The Spaniard quickly adapted to his new bike and finished the test 12th on the timing sheet.
“I started the day with no expectations,” Vinales explained. “Trying to be very open-minded. But straight away, even on the out lap, the feeling was positive. Everything comes very naturally.”
Vinales used Pedro Acosta’s setup to familiarize himself with the bike, taking a measured approach to learning the characteristics of the RC16.
“Obviously, there are still many things I need to understand and integrate in my riding style. But the feeling was good. We didn’t test too much. I just asked to have Pedro’s setup and try to ride and understand the bike.”
“What I like about the bike, and this is something very positive for my riding style, is the way you exit the corner. So let’s say that the earlier you pick up, the earlier you go. This is fantastic for my riding style.”
Vinales also noted KTM’s strength in fast corners, dispelling his initial concerns. “This one I like a lot for the fast corners, like 13-14 becomes very natural and with a lot of corner speed,” he said.
Top speed emerged as another strong point, with the RC16 clocking the fastest number of the day at 354km/h. “It’s fast. It’s the first thing I felt! Also the exit is good, traction, and as I mentioned, as soon as you pick up, the bike pushes out of the corner. But it’s fast: 3rd, 4th, 5th it’s fast.”
Vinales highlighted KTM’s launch performance, something he struggled with on the Aprilia. “Now I understand why I lost so many positions [this season]. It’s OK, I will have it next year. So it’s fantastic.”
The bike’s lighter handling and WP suspension were also areas of praise. “The way you change direction is easier,” he said, adding that the rear device was particularly smooth.
Vinales is optimistic about the Tech3 team’s close-knit dynamic, which he feels aligns well with his needs. “This is a family. It’s what I feel with the mechanics between them. And probably it’s the feeling I need,” he remarked.
Working alongside Dani Pedrosa and Pol Espargaro also proved beneficial. “It was a nice experience, to work with them,” Vinales noted
