Image: Supplied.

Movistar Yamaha’s Maverick Vinales is convinced the factory team needs to make major steps forward with the new YZR-M1 if he is to factor in the 2018 MotoGP championship, unable to find a clear direction in Thailand last week.

The Spaniard is entering his second full season with Yamaha after finishing third in last year’s standings and, despite concluding three days at Buriram eighth on the charts, he’s far from satisfied at this point of the pre-season.

“It’s been a difficult test, like it was in Malaysia,” Vinales admitted. “We are working hard trying to figure out what the problem is – right now mostly on braking – but we have to improve in all areas. We have to continue working, trying to find out how to improve. The race days are coming up fast and we only have the three days in Qatar left. I will keep working and I will be 100 percent ready – when the bike is ready I will push.”

Vinales started Sunday’s session as soon as the green light at the end of pit lane went on. He was eager to try out the new setting he found on day two, as well as making some final decisions on the engine and the chassis, however he was unable to find the same feeling he had the day before.

Top of the Yamahas at Chang International Circuit was Monster Yamaha Tech3 satellite rider Johann Zarco, continuing to work with the 2016-spec chassis as Vinales and Valentino Rossi – 12th overall in Thailand – work to establish a step ahead with the factory.