Maverick
Viñales
Spain
·
MotoGP
Date of birth | 12 January 1995 |
|---|---|
Place of birth | Figueras |
Age | 30 |
Nationality | Spain |
Career start | 2011 |
Disciplines | MotoGP |
It all began at just three years old for Maverick Viñales, when he took to two wheels. Minimotos and motocross: everything was game for a young Maverick, but he finally settled on road racing. His natural ability was evident right from the start and in 2007, at the age of 12, the native of Figueras became Catalan champion – a feat he repeated in the hotbed of talent in 2008. In 2009 he finished second overall in the Spanish 125cc series and won it the next year.
2011 was a huge year for young Maverick. He debuted in the old 125cc World Championship, and in only his fourth race in the elite ranks won his first Grand Prix at the famed Le Mans circuit in France. Victory, at the age of 16 years and 123 days made him the third-youngest rider to win a Grand Prix race at the time. Three more wins during the season saw Maverick finish a brilliant third the overall standings and bag the Rookie of the Year award, not to mention status as one of the favourites for the new four-stroke powered Moto3™ category in 2012.