Vinales triumphs in Termas de Río Hondo

The Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Team gave an astounding performance in today's Gran Premio Motul de la República Argentina, securing an immaculate 1-2 finish. Maverick Viñales was in a league of his own in the 25-lap sprint, as he flew from sixth on the grid to first place. Valentino Rossi was a man with a plan for his 350th Grand Prix start and was in hot pursuit, to ultimately secure a brilliant second place.

Rossi had a brilliant start from seventh, entering the first corner side by side with Viñales to exit it in sixth place. He soon flew past Dani Pedrosa and Karel Abraham with the intention to stick to the rear wheel of his teammate. With Marquez out of the race on lap 4, the Italian moved up to third and felt the lure of a second place.

With sixteen laps to go he dipped under the 1.40s mark and closed right up to Crutchlow. As the riders behind them got involved in a scrap and were unable to match the pace of the three riders at the front, the Doctor had a comfortable margin of close to 5 seconds, allowing him to focus on the battle to come. The nine-time World Champion sized up the Brit carefully, choosing the best place and time to make a move.

With seven laps remaining, Rossi made a pass in turn 5 and made it stick. He followed it up with a couple of low 1.40s laps to inch away from Crutchlow, making it a perfect Yamaha 1-2, the first since the Grand Prix of Le Mans in 2016, when he took the chequered flag 2.915s behind his teammate.

Today's dream results see Viñales hold the lead in the championship standings with 50 points, closely followed by Rossi in second position with 36 points. Yamaha remains in the lead in the Constructors' Championship with a maximum of 50 points, while the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Team lead the way in the Team Championship with 86 points, 59 points ahead of Monster Yamaha Tech3 in second place.

The Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Team will be back in action in two weeks' time at the Circuit Of The Americas in Austin, Texas, in the United States.

Maverick Vinales.
Position: 1st - Championship: 1st - Points: 50

'We did a great job. We made the tyre decision already this morning. I feel really great! The tyre's grip level was really good the entire time. I feel pretty strong and Michelin is doing a great job, I feel really happy and confident. It's like we are in a dream. I have to say thanks to the team, they are doing a great job, so let's continue like that!'

Massimo Meregalli, Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Team Director.

'I love Argentina more and more! Today the team can be really proud of the show they put on. Maverick delivered again! He gave an incredible performance, from the start all the way to the end and was in complete control of the race. Looking at the timesheet, you understand that he managed the race in a perfect way, never giving his rivals the chance to close the gap. Valentino really brought things around this afternoon. He had another strong ride, from further back on the grid, and showed he can always ride over the difficulties on race day. It hasn't been an easy weekend for him, but he always worked hard to find solutions and his efforts speak for themselves when you see today's results. We have capitalised on our major competitors' misfortunes with this amazing 1-2 podium. It was another demonstration of power by Maverick; a great end to Valentino's 350th Grand Prix start and this 1-2 finish also brings Yamaha its 499th victory. We are already looking forward to the next round in Austin!'

Report and images courtesy of Yamaha racing.