Maverick Vinales says he “can't believe” Yamaha is struggling so much with its 2018 MotoGP bike, and admits he hasn't “felt well” on the M1 for half a year.
The Spaniard – who penned a two-year extension on his current contract with Yamaha prior to the first test in Sepang – has battled the rear traction issues which plagued his 2017 campaign with the Iwata factory.
Believing making the engine's power delivery a little more aggressive was the answer after a late improvement in pace on Saturday in Thailand, Vinales suffered all day on Sunday with the same traction issue.
Ending the day 12th and 0.809s from test leader Dani Pedrosa, Vinales – who even tried the 2016 M1 chassis which second-placed Johann Zarco on the Tech3 bike is using – was at a loss as to what Yamaha can do to cure its woes.
“Well we have to improve all areas,” the disgruntled Spaniard claimed.
“Honestly, the rivals make good steps, but anyway we have Johann there in the front, which is something we can't believe as Yamaha factory we are struggling so much, difficult to be in top 10 even when things didn't go on the good direction.
“Anyway, from yesterday we didn't improve nothing, we have to keep working, trying to find out where is the problem.
“It's six months I haven't felt well on the bike, many, many races that we have the same problem and we didn't find out yet [why].
“So, for sure, frustrated, but as a rider I cannot give my best, and when you cannot give your best you are not satisfied.”
In stark contrast to Vinales, Zarco felt totally at ease across the three-day Buriram test and managed a 1:29.867s – one of only three riders along with the factory Honda duo of Pedrosa and Marc Marquez to dip underneath the 1:30s barrier.
“I've been happy from the first day, I saw the track for the first time and what I was thinking is that 'yeah, it's much better for Yamaha,'” he said.
“I'm happy about that. Then working, having a good feeling, riding well, knowing the laptime would come down.
“I didn't ride too much on the third day, but we kept good tyres to push for the laptime.
“What gives me confidence from this test is feeling the bike well, and it's even better looking forward to Qatar testing and the start of the season.”
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