Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Maverick Vinales is targeting a podium return this weekend at this home Catalan grand prix, explaining he’ll be drawing upon the crowd’s support in his endeavour to land on the box.

The Spaniard is hoping to boost his form on the YZR-M1 in the 2019 MotoGP World Championship, as he currently sits eighth in the championship standings.

Despite recording a host of podiums at the Barcelona circuit in the lower categories, Vinales is yet to climb onto the rostrum in the premier MotoGP class at the venue.

“I can‘t wait to be at my home GP,” Vinales commented. “Montmelo is a very special track for me, it‘s a circuit that I really like and enjoy. There I can feel all the support of my fans, it has an amazing atmosphere. I hope that I can respond with a good result, and why not with a podium? That‘s always our goal.

“Mugello was a very difficult race because it was very physically demanding. We have to keep working hard to be able to find the sweet spot of the bike, so we’ll be able to continue fighting to be towards the top of the standings. So let’s keep focused, and we’ll show the best side of us for our fans.”

The MotoGP World Championship standings are currently led by defending title holder Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda).