Tech3 KTM boss Nicolas Goyon says the Qatar MotoGP round has left a “bitter taste” following Maverick Vinales’ tyre pressure penalty.
Vinales crossed the line in second, which had seen him score a podium with four different manufacturers, but was awarded a 16-second penalty due to a tyre pressure infringement.
The Spanish rider dropped from second to 14th as a result of the penalty, with Francesco Bagnaia and Franco Morbidelli promoted onto the podium.
Goyon admits Vinales’ disqualification has left the team with a “bitter” feeling.
“It is quite obvious that we are leaving Qatar with a huge bitter taste after we were handed a late penalty,” said Goyon via Crash.net.
“Maverick Vinales had an unbelievable weekend, with his best qualifying of the season.
“Today, he showed an incredible level of performance, riding at a strong pace fighting with the top guys at the front. The bike was fast, and he clocked in the second fastest race lap, so everything was working well.”
“Unfortunately we took a penalty for low tyre pressure, a rule that can sometimes be unfair, but rules are rules and we have to accept them,” Goyon said.
“It does not take away his performance which we will keep in our mind heading to the next round, so thank you Maverick for a strong weekend.”
Maverick Vinales: ‘I don’t care’ about Qatar MotoGP penalty
Despite losing a first podium with KTM, Vinales admitted in the post-race press conference that he didn’t care about the impending penalty.
“I don’t care what will happen afterwards,” he declared.
“I’m happy with the result. I’m happy with the performance. We are very pleased.”
“This is something we [KTM] needed. And this is achieved for the project. So, I’m really happy.”Red Bull KTM boss Aki Ajo also praised Vinales’ performance despite the penalty, saying: “The podium potential by Maverick is important for the whole KTM family. We will now push even harder.”
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