Maverick Vinales says he is no further forward with finding a solution to the high-temperature grip problems experienced at Jerez over the weekend despite placing fourth on yesterday’s test timesheet.

The Spanish Movistar Yamaha rider ended the day four-tenths behind fastest man and fellow M1 jockey Johann Zarco but cooler track temperatures compared with Sunday meant he was able to find more traction with the troubled bike.

“We didn’t solve anything. We have to see if in the next days we can improve something but right now it is what it is and we have to take something from it,” said Vinales, speaking at the track.

“When I put in a new tyre today, it was the first time it felt like a new tyre. In the weekend it was very slippy all the time and, you know, hot conditions and 22-litres is not a perfect combination for us right now.

“It’s been difficult, but anyway today I always tried to be close to the race full tank and the rhythm was consistent, not dropping so much. But it’s true that today the track was much more grippy than yesterday.

“We know the races that we are going to suffer in. Let’s see if we can change that. We know the way and we just have to take it. Let’s see if we have any improvements with the electronics at Le Mans.”

Team-mate Valentino Rossi has put the ball firmly in Yamaha’s court, saying they need to do something or this season is lost.