Third round of Moto Mondiale and we land in the New World. Specifically in Austin, Texas for the MotoGP of the Americas. A challenging circuit both physically and on tires because of the famous first sector, characterized by the climb to turn one, to the “snake” or complex of them that follow it. An appointment that will certainly be dear to Vinales in the future, as it was the perfect setting for him to break a new record: the Spaniard is the first rider in MotoGP to have won a victory with three different teams. Suzuki, Yamaha and Aprilia.
Texas MotoGP Qualifying
Maverick Vinales conquers with his Aprilia a not so obvious pole. The Spaniard Martin wasin fact the favorite, having set the circuit record time the day before. But the same was nervous, collecting two crashes and a sixth place.
Sprint Race MotoGP of the Americas
Saturday remains a friendly day for Aprilia’s Spaniard. In the Sprint Race it is pole-man Vinales who takes the victory with a clean ride and steady pace. Following him were Marc Marquez and Pedro Acosta, who did not spare themselves, putting on a show on the track. Down from the podium but recovering, Martin. A pace that mirrored that seen in pre-qualifying allowed him to get back under the fight for second place.
MotoGP of the Americas, the Austin race
Sunday starts “with a bang,” in this case almost literally. Acosta sprints very fast and turns first at the first corner, followed by Bastianini and Marquez. Immediately behind, however, an aggressive Jorge Martin launches himself on the inside and hits Bagnaia and then Vinales on the ladder, who will have the worst of it by closing the first lap from ninth. As luck would have it, however, none of the three are forced to retire and the race continues. There are several changes at the head accomplice to the trio between Martin, Acosta and Marquez until the latter attempts the stretch. But perhaps in the heat of the moment, with 10 laps to go he loses the front of his Ducati and crashes.
Taking advantage of this are the others who continue the battle. The fight between the added Bastianini, Acosta and Martin allowed Vinales to make a comeback and recover the leading group. Indeed, on lap 13 he managed to become the race leader . The last part of the race was characterized by the important difference in pace between those who used the soft rear tire and those who chose the hard like Acosta and Vinales. At the finish Vinales takes his first win on Sunday with Aprilia, second the rookie Acosta and third Bastianini with his proverbial second half of the race. Little harm to Bagnaia who closes fifth just behind his rival Martin, thus losing marginally in the title race.
Next appointment in Spain on April 28. In the meantime, here are the updated world rankings after the Austin round.
Aprilia Racing’s positive start to the MotoGP season is also an opportunity to renew a well-established technical partnership, that with Sprint Filter.
