Maverick Vinaru says that after KTM was surprised by Qatar’s podium, they must continue to “open mind” at the MotoGP Spain Grand Prix.
The start of the 2025 season was well below KTM’s expectations, with no riders approaching the podium in the first three rounds.
Later at Qatar Grand Prix, Tech3’s Maverick Vinales were surprised when they fought for their 11th MotoGP victory before winning the second checkered flag of Ducati’s Marc Marquez.
The tire pressure penalty dropped Vinall in 14th place after the race, but KTM Motorsport boss Pit Baylor called the rider’s performance “real.”
This weekend, at Spanish Grand Prix, other KTM riders look at Vinales’ setup to try and find more form and say that Pedro Acosta will have two 2024 RC16s to ride on the Geres.
Vinales says KTM cannot have “ideas that limit us” by what it can achieve in future races, but it also encourages patience.
“Obviously, we are happy with the outcome, but we are happy with how we work, how we learn, and especially the understanding we understand on the bike,” he told Motogpu’s Gear Up Show in Geres on Thursday.
“Obviously, it’s a great way to set fire to the factory, actually keep working and developing, which is very important to stay motivated.
“Of course I’ll try it (to replicate Qatar).
“I think it was also a weekend in Austin, close to the podium.
“We don’t want to put in ceilings or ideas that can limit us.
“We need to have a truly heartfelt and open minded mentality to continue improving.
“And we have to continue developing ourselves, as we have four races with KTM.
“So it’s a very new thing, it’s a totally different bike, a totally different system, a different personality within the team.
“So we all have to fit together, but we’re in the good direction and I think all the pieces are in place.”
Vinall had time to rewatch the Qatar race, but still doesn’t interfere with what feels like the penalty is a more important takeout from the Grand Prix.
“It was great to see the speed again to see once more that we can fight big names. We can see some lights in KTM, especially, which is very important,” he added.
“And like we do, we have to focus on the right thing.”