Source: Supplied.

Movistar Yamaha’s latest signing Maverick Viñales started off his partnership with two wins in a row at Qatar and Argentina, but crashed out of contention in the Grand Prix of the Americas last weekend.

Viñales crashed out of fourth in the early laps at turn 16 in what he later labelled a ‘strange’ incident, indicating an issue with his front tyre as the cause.

“It was a really strange crash,” Viñales said. “I did exactly the same as in warm-up and all weekend, but I crashed. I think we had some issues with the front tyre, but anyway, we know that we are strong and that we have the speed. We can be strong again, so I’m going to try to forget this crash and come to Jerez even faster, stronger and more consistent than I was here.”

Regardless, Viñales still sits second in the championship and just six points back from teammate Valentino Rossi, who has three-straight podiums to his credit this season.