Vinales: A very special track for me

Maverick Vinales is hoping a return to Spain and racing in front of his home fans will also mean a return to the MotoGP podium.

Twice taken out by other riders this season, the Monster Yamaha rider is currently eighth in the world championship with his only rostrum appearance being at the previous Spanish round in Jerez.

“I can't wait to be at my home GP. Montmeló is a very special track for me, it's a circuit that I really like and enjoy," Vinales said. "There I can feel all the support of my fans, it has an amazing atmosphere. I hope that I can respond with a good result, and why not with a podium? That‘s always our goal. "

But to achieve that goal, Vinales and Yamaha will need to make a significant step relative to last time at Mugello.

Vinales was the top M1 rider after recovering from twelfth in the early stages to sixth. But three positions were handed to him when rivals fell off and Vinales was never able to threaten the lead group, saying he 'struggled a lot' and had 'no feeling with the bike' due to a chronic lack of grip.

"Mugello was a very difficult race because it was very physically demanding," he admitted.

"We have to keep working hard to be able to find the sweet spot of the bike, so we'll be able to continue fighting to be towards the top of the standings.

"So let's keep focused, and we'll show the best side of us for our fans.”

Vinales has never stood on the Catalunya podium in the MotoGP class, but was runner-up in Moto2 and race winner in Moto3.