P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Vinales explains Portugal MotoGP race-ending gearbox issue
Aprilia rider Maverick Vinales, who won the sprint on Saturday, was a key contender for victory in the 25-lap grand prix in Portugal on Sunday. He initially led the battle for the win but started facing gear selection issues between fifth and sixth gear from lap six. When attempting to shift to sixth gear on the final lap, Vinales’ bike went into neutral, causing a sudden slowdown and later a crash when accidentally engaging second gear. Despite the technical problems, Vinales emphasized the positive aspects, urging his Aprilia team to enhance reliability to compete for victories. He showcased impressive speed throughout the weekend in Portugal even though he encountered gearbox troubles, praising his ability to maintain competitive lap times despite the setbacks.
