Maverick Vinales believes he and the Tech3 KTM team are intrigued by how they regularly compete for their MotoGP victory.
In the challenging start of KTM’s season, Venares emerged as the top rider of the Austrian manufacturer.
The Spaniard drastically led the Qatar Grand Prix before a tire pressure breach rejected him in second place and bounced back in fourth with KTM’s best finish, Jeres.
Now he arrives at Le Mans – Venares secured his first Grand Prix victory at Moto3 (2011) and won his first MotoGP podium against Suzuki, MotoGP victory against Yamaha (2017). He also stood on the podium for prints last season.
“I don’t know if Le Mans is suitable for KTM, but I try to flow a lot on my bike.
“It’s obviously a truck that I was getting very fast, and it’s probably going to be on a level this year, but we need to see how bikes work and how we can adapt to these new emotions.
“Every time you arrive at a new truck, it’s a new feeling and you have to adapt very quickly and give it the max. But the Tech3 team, KTM and Red Bull do an amazing job.
“I think we’re growing very quickly. Now we’re so close we need to take the right steps.”
Alex Marquez (1st) vs Maverick Vinals (4th): 2025 Spain MotoGP
Looking back at his near-performance at Jerez, Vinall emphasized how minimal the gap was.
“If I had the first two laps that I had a lot of fights with Diggia, I think I was only 0.1 per lap than the winner Alex.
“We really need to find these details and continue working. It’s coming, but we need to be patient and work the right way.”
“One of the biggest differences I have since the beginning of the season is that I’m just riding now and don’t have to think much about it when I’m adapting to the bike,” he added.
“It’s getting easier, and in reality you can go on the maximum of your bike on almost every FP1. This makes it easier to set up a good weekend and prepare a good weekend, especially for the very important flying laps.”
Also, the home race of the Vinales’ Tech3 team, Le Mans is renowned for its passionate atmosphere. It’s something that Spaniards enjoy.
“The best one is 2am when the camper is moving from the party (music). The floor is shaking!” Vinaru smirked.
“But no, it’s always very cool and very special. You can’t see any single empty spot on the track. And this is what we really like because we enjoy all the fans cheer us on and pushing us to do a good race.”
Despite his recent heroism, Vinaru is only 15th in World Championships this weekend.
Pedro Acosta is the 10th major KTM, but with only 7 points except for Vinales.
“What Maverick did in Qatar was amazing, and I also saw all of my maker teammates struggling,” title leader Alex Marquez said.