Movistar Yamaha’s Maverick Vinales has admitted he can see his title hopes slipping away at the Motegi MotoGP round as he can’t do anything more with the M1 in the wet.

The Spaniard, who was a favourite to take the 2017 crown, can’t find any grip when tarmac is wet and is at a loss as to what to do.

“Honestly, nothing helps and it is just the same problem during all the year, the traction. I do my best, I cannot do anything more with the bike we have right now. For sure it is a shame, because we are trying to win the title. But like this it is impossible, I can’t do anything in the rain,” said Vinales, speaking at the track.

“Whatever I do, riding smooth, riding aggressively, braking late, very early, the problem is the same one, the traction. Every time I go out on track, and I see myself in 10th position, I see the title slipping away, especially because my rivals are in the first positions.”