Viñales says MotoGP riders have no choice but to race in Qatar

Maverick Viñales says riders must travel to Qatar for the next MotoGP round, as skipping it would bring a penalty. He said he is concerned the event will feel completely different from last year, when he finished second before being demoted to 14th for a tyre pressure irregularity, and that he will not arrive in the same condition or with the same confidence.

The Tech3 rider also described ongoing problems with his shoulder, injured at the Sachsenring, and a lack of the right feeling on his KTM. He struggled in Malaysia, where he finished 14th, and said he still cannot find the grip and line he needs.