– Maverick Viñales says ninth position was the "maximum" possible for Movistar Yamaha at the Japanese Grand Prix, as his title prospects were dealt a substantial blow.The factory Yamaha outfit has struggled in wet conditions throughout the campaign and was off the pace as rain affected proceedings all weekend at Motegi.Viñales was eliminated in Q1 and lined up 14th – equalling his worst grid spot of his premier class career – and, while he pulled off early gains, made it only as far as eighth, before crossing the line in ninth.With title rivals Andrea Dovizioso and Marc Márquez battling for victory, Viñales is now 41 points behind the Repsol Honda rider with just...
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