Maverick Vinales says new MotoGP crew chief Esteban Garcia has been “key” to a revival in his confidence following a tough 2018 campaign aboard the works Yamaha.
Vinales spent his first two seasons with Yamaha working with Jorge Lorenzo's former crew chief Ramon Forcada, though announced he would parting ways midway through last season.
Stepping into replace Forcada – who is now Franco Morbidelli's crew chief at Petronas Sepang Racing – is Garcia, whom Vinales previously worked with during his time in the 125/Moto3 class, including his title-winning year in 2013.
Speaking at Yamaha's 2019 launch event, Vinales feels rekindling his working relationship with Garcia will allow him to stay “calm” this year and has renewed his confidence levels.
“Normally when I start the year I try to feel prepared,” Vinales, who took Yamaha's sole victory in 2018, said..
“It doesn't matter how last year went, finally it's a new opportunity. So I'm always ready to be on the top, to fight for that number one.
“But, yeah, many changes ahead of this year, also Monster [as title sponsor] on the bike. So I hope it really helps.
“I think Esteban will be the key to making me stay calm, so I can give my best. So, for sure, I think it will be better.
“I feel more confidence with Esteban in the team. We [also] incorporate Julito [Julian Simon] into the team: he will be my mental coach and also on the track.
“So I feel I have really good experience with them, and I am the kind of rider who likes to be calm with all my people and the team.
“So even like this I can give a little bit extra I needed last year, and this year, with all the changes that have been done, I think I can be better.”
Wilco Zeelenberg, who acted as Vinales' rider coach last year, has joined Forcada in moving to the satellite SRT Yamaha squad for its maiden season as team manager.
Rossi has also undergone a change in rider coach, with Idalio Gavira replacing double 250cc world champion Luca Cadalora, who has opted to retire to spend more time with his family after three years in the role.
