Maverick Vinales seemed poised to secure KTM’s inaugural MotoGP podium for the 2025 season in Qatar, but a penalty for tyre pressure cruelly pushed him from second place to 14th.
The impressive performance of the Spaniard riding for the Tech3 team was ultimately compromised by a few key laps where he fell below the minimum tyre pressure requirement. Factors like cooler temperatures and an unexpected race lead worked against Vinales, with Marc Marquez’s intense late-race pace also playing a crucial role.
Team manager Herve Poncharal noted that Vinales reacted to a dashboard warning, allowing Marquez to make his move past him.
“The issue for us was that once Marc accelerated at full throttle, he created a gap,” Poncharal shared with Crash.net. “Had Maverick managed to stay close to Marc, as he did with Alex in Buriram, we might have fared better.”
Unfortunately, Vinales fell just one or two laps short of reaching the necessary 60% of laps sustained above the minimum pressure. Poncharal remarked: “We must accept the rule, and it applies to everyone. So, I won’t complain about it being unfair. However, it’s a tough pill to swallow emotionally.”
Support from the Entire Team
The context surrounding what appeared to be KTM’s first podium of the season is understood well. After navigating through Pierer Mobility’s financial difficulties over the winter, the RC16 project faced immediate performance issues related to vibrations and grip.
Arriving in Qatar as the sole brand without a top-five finish, every result was critical. After struggling with a poor soft tyre choice in the Sprint race, Vinales made a remarkable jump from sixth to third in the initial laps of the grand prix. The Tech3 team was astonished.
“There is immense effort behind each race weekend,” Poncharal said. “When your rider performs like Maverick did… the entire team is with him on the bike, monitoring every sector of every lap. When he crossed the finish line in P2, the celebration was one of joy and relief for the team.”
Although the penalty was technically justified, it struck a deep emotional chord. “Our rider delivered a stellar performance. Demoting him may be correct as per the rules, but it’s incredibly tough on a human level,” Poncharal added. “We are not machines. This is a high-stakes sport, and while it may seem tactless from outside, the team shares a real passion for this sport. We stand united with our rider.”
Vinales’ Uncommon Reaction
“Typically, the rider is the most impacted by such situations, and it’s our job to boost their spirits,” Poncharal continued. “However, Maverick surprised everyone by saying, ‘Hey guys, smile, we did it! Let’s celebrate,’ after everything that happened.”
“Maverick’s reaction was something I’ve never witnessed in my entire time in racing,” he added. “Despite the bad luck in Texas and Qatar, he was the one trying to uplift the mood. He really performed like a star and demonstrated that he still has the same skill as in his younger days.”
Poncharal expressed pride in having Vinales on the team, stating, “My mission is to support both Maverick and Enea, as nobody should forget about Enea. We noticed on Sunday that there is potential.”
Acknowledgment from Rivals
Following the race, a video in the cool-down room captured Marquez and Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia complimenting Vinales and KTM.
Poncharal remarked, “Hearing Pecco and Marc impressed by what Maverick and KTM achieved was incredible. They acknowledged the bike’s acceleration and cornering capabilities, which is uplifting for the entire KTM team.”
“While we accept the penalty, Maverick indeed finished P2. The potential is evident because the low tyre pressure affected us on the track.”
The Future for Vinales and KTM
The pressing question now is whether Vinales and KTM have made a significant breakthrough or if their success in Qatar was merely circumstantial.
The upcoming round in Jerez could be decisive. “Despite feeling good in Texas and Saturday in Qatar, we didn’t anticipate this outcome,” Poncharal admitted. “We are aware that Maverick excels in Texas and Qatar. The bike performed well there last year; however, Jerez, Le Mans, and Silverstone are vastly different circuits.”
“So, it poses a significant question mark for us. Jerez, in particular, contrasts greatly with the previous two tracks. If we can demonstrate speed there, it will serve as a strong indication of our capabilities. That’s the key factor for us moving forward.”
