Maverick Vinales stated after yesterday’s Aragon MotoGP that the Movistar Yamaha M1 is not at the same level as the Honda and Ducati, and he struggled to find grip in the early stages of yesterday’s race.

The Spaniard, along with team-mate Valentino Rossi, opted to use the hard rear Michelin even though he hadn’t turned a wheel on it all weekend, opting for the medium in free practices three and four, as the track temperature soared.

“The hard tyre was not working well in the first laps but was OK in the end. Nothing special in grip but improving lap by lap but it is not enough and our bike is not at the same level as the others, so we have to work even harder in the practice to try and improve,” said Vinales, speaking at the track.

“It was very difficult to understand which tyre we should use. For example in other races it was quite clear because we can do many laps and we know which way to go. Here, it was very difficult. Normally, Valentino have a good feeling with the tyre and he pushed for the hard.”