by S. Ancín / photo: motogp His unstoppable growth over the past few years, the news of his signing with Yamaha and a very good pre-season all set up high prospects for Vinales. At his début with Yamaha the Spanish rider met the great expectations generated during the pre-season and he led at the Qatar circuit after a disputed race. There is more merit to his inaugural triumph than it seems. After a bad start and a few weak laps he steadily caught up until the final fight for the podium with Dovizioso (Ducati) who was second followed by Rossi (Movistar Yamaha).

The start of the race was delayed by an hour because of the rain, a decisive factor for many riders who saw how their choice of tyres had a negative impact on their performance. Viñales went from first to fifth position at the start and debutant Zarco (Monster Yamaha) took the lead of the group. Zarco then held the lead for several laps but saw his chances frustrated after falling on bend two, leaving Dovizioso in first position.

The come back

Viñales then started to pick up pace from behind. At the 12th lap and at just 8 from the finish line (the race was reduced to 20 laps instead of the usual 22) he came into second position. From there he started chasing Dovizioso culminating in a magnificent duel for the win. They passed each other constantly and with just one lap to go Viñales made the final pass keeping Ducati’s rider at bay until the finish line.

It was an intense race for everyone as other drivers also made their own headlines: Marquez (Repsol Honda team) and Iannone (Suzuki Team) staged their own particular fight which ended up with the Italian on the floor. The defending world champion, after having some issues with his tyres, finished fourth behind Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) who came back from ninth position. Pedrosa (Repsol Honda Team) also got it wrong with his choice of tyres, finishing sixth. And Lorenzo, on his maiden run with Ducati, went off track going down to 16th and only able to climb back to 11th position afterwards.