SILVERSTONE: Spaniard Maverick Vinales rode a masterful race to secure his first ever MotoGP victory, easing to take the chequered flag in the British Grand Prix at Silverstone on Sunday.

The 21-year-old — the 2013 Moto3 world champion — gave Suzuki its first win in the British edition in this category since American Kevin Schwantz in 1994.

It was their first in the category overall since Australian Chris Vermeulen triumphed in France in 2007. Vinales led home Honda’s Cal Crutchlow — the first Briton since Barry Sheene in 1977 to take pole — with legendary Italian Valentino Rossi third on his Yamaha for his 217th podium placing.

Rossi marginally reduced Marc Marquez’s lead in the overall standings, the Spaniard holding a 50-point advantage over the Italian, 210 points to 160.

Vinales, winning his 17th Grand Prix in all categories, said he had felt all weekend something special was on the cards.

“This is a dream come true, one I thought was possible this weekend,” said Vinales, whose win makes it seven different winners of the last seven MotoGPs.

“I hope I can deliver more dreams to Suzuki in the future as the team has worked so hard.”—AFP