Red Bull KTM Tech3 rider Maverick Vinales admitted that he still celebrated his second-place podium at the Lusail Circuit in Qatar on Monday, even though the podium was lost because he received a 16-second penalty from the FIM for low tire pressure.
"Despite losing P2, I feel like it's a victory and we'll still celebrate like before," Vinales said on MotoGP's Instagram account on Monday.
Vinales was in scintillating form in Qatar on his RC16, briefly leading the race before conceding defeat to Marc Marquez who took his first win in Qatar since 2014.
The Spanish rider crossed the finish line 1.8 seconds slower than Marc Marquez. However, after the race, he dropped to 14th position because he was given a 16-second penalty, dropping him to 14th position.
This penalty was imposed by FIM officials because Vinales failed to achieve the minimum pressure specified for at least 60 percent of the race laps.
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