Only two 2017 MotoGP series, Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider Maverick Vinales managed to steal the attention after sensational performances in Qatar and Argentina, where he won two consecutive wins. In fact, this year is his first year defending the tuning fork manufacturer.
Defending Suzuki Ecstar for two years, Vinales was immediately recruited by Yamaha to replace Jorge Lorenzo who decided to move to Ducati Corse. Yamaha's choice proved not wrong, after he swept all pre-season tests as the fastest rider.
Being in the heat of MotoGP, this new star made many people want to get to know him more. We also present five unique facts about Vinales that vans should know. Check out the following reviews!
1. Marquez's Enemy Since Childhood
Down in MotoGP since 2015, one of Vinales' ambitions is to compete fiercely against his rival since childhood, namely the Repsol Honda rider Marc Marquez. With an age difference of only two years, the two often compete fiercely in the junior domestic championships in Spain. Now both defending two giant manufacturers in the most prestigious racing class, Vinales is ready to extinguish Marquez's dominance.
2. Paris Hilton Followers
Vinales was once a 'follower' of Hollywood celebrity, Paris Hilton, when she made her GP125 debut in 2011. Paris Hilton is known as one of the sponsors of her team, Blusens-BQR. In that season, Vinales managed to collect nine podiums, four of which were victories.
3. Just One Year in Moto2
Vinales' scintillating achievements in GP125 and Moto3 saw him move up to Moto2 in 2014 with Pons Racing, a team known for producing famous MotoGP riders. Amazingly, in his first year in middleweight, he immediately managed to collect nine podiums, four of which were victories.
This result makes Suzuki Ecstar feel that Vinales is ready to move up to the highest class in 2015. Just a year in Moto2, Vinales' decision to move up to MotoGP has invited criticism because he is considered not too ready to compete in that class.
4. Maverick Name and Logo
The word 'Maverick' in the name Vinales was given by his father who was inspired by the main character named Maverick in the film Top Gun, played by Tom Cruise. The title of this film is also his current nickname, even the fighter jet has become the Vinales logo on various racing equipment and merchandise for his fans.
5. Big fans of Rossi
Like Marquez, Vinales has been a fan of Valentino Rossi since childhood. Vinales admits that The Doctor was his childhood hero, and his dream against Rossi came true when he made his MotoGP debut in the 2015 season with Suzuki. Uniquely, now both of them are riding a Yamaha.