Monster Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo spent last night poring over team-mate Maverick Vinales’ data to find out why he suffered a big drop in tyre grip while the Spaniard didn’t.

Quartararo was able to stick with the leading group but when Vinales started his push to the front, the works Yamaha new-boy didn’t have to traction to follow, let alone defend against Joan Mir at the end.

“The rear tyre dropped massively. That was a total disaster. In the beginning I felt strong and could fight with Jack Miller and Johann Zarco, but later I didn’t have a chance against Joan Mir,” said Quartararo, speaking at the track.

“He was in a different league. I was only able to fight my way back because Alex Rins and Jack Miller had problems, and I had taken a different approach.

“I drove gently and didn’t use the tyre as hard. My cornering speed was okay too, I just don’t get it. There was also no sand on the racing line that caused me problems. I wonder. I had such big problems and Maverick wasn’t. I was really shaken.

“Honestly, my riding – even when I was overtaking Jack – was smooth.I was not burning the tyre like hell to overtake. I was feeling great, doing great corner speed and just the tyre had a big drop. So, this is what I don’t understand.

“I talk with Valentino and he had the same drop as me. So, it’s quite a strange situation, I’m really curious.”