Image: Supplied.

Admitting Motegi is a difficult track for Yamaha on paper, Maverick Vinales is optimistic his ‘totally different’ YZR-M1 will be able to deliver him a strong result at the Japenese grand prix this weekend.

The Spaniard, who finished seventh at the venue in 2018, is riding a wave of confidence after recording a number of positive results in recent rounds – the Monster Energy Yamaha rider landing on the box at Thailand two weeks ago.

“Well, actually, the feeling is really good,” said Vinales at the pre-event press conference. “After Thailand I feel great because I feel very positive on the bike and somehow I can push really hard on the last part of the race.

“Japan on paper looks very difficult for us but the bike is totally different, my mentality is different, so normally for my riding style, this track suits me really good. I’ve been getting good results here so I think we will have a good race, fight for the podium like we did in Thailand and be at the maximum as always.”

Vinales is currently in the fight for third in the championship standings, where he’s ranked fourth – four points behind third’s Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar), and one point ahead of Danilo Petrucci (Ducati Team).