On the other side of the garage is a rider who is no stranger to the podium, with Maverick Viñales claiming 28 rostrums during his premier class career, including nine victories. The last of those wins came at the 2021 season opener, taking P1 at the Qatar GP while he still donned the factory Yamaha colours. Since then, it has been a turbulent time for the Spaniard; the highs of marriage and becoming a father mixed with a souring relationship with the Iwata factory. Mid-way through last year, he surprised the paddock by announcing he’d signed a contract with Aprilia before competing in five races, scoring points in two. Now familiar with the RS-GP, Viñales will surely be aiming to bring home a first-ever race win for the Noale factory.