Reported by Andrew Lwanga, Edited by Hazel Alagappan
The rollercoaster that has been the life of one Maverick Viñales has had another twist added onto it. The Nine time race winning Spaniard had been confirmed to part ways with the factory Yamaha team upon his request earlier in the season.
Since joining the Japanese powerhouse from Suzuki. Viñales has had a fractured relationship with Yamaha, which eventually erupted in an incident at the Styrian Grand Prix. In which Viñales revved his engine as though he intended to blow it up, Yamaha then suspended him until further notice.
Viñales has since apologized for his actions, conceding that they were a product of frustrations at his situation in the race and with Yamaha.
While it remains unclear if Viñales will mount a MotoGP bike this season. It is now certain that he will ride for Aprilia next season where he will partner fellow Spaniard Aleix Espargar and thus replacing rookie Lorenzo Savadori.
In a statement, Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola said “
We are extremely happy to announce that we have signed Maverick Vinales, a very high-level rider and one of the purest talents in the premier category,”
“Our project has now been enriched with the value that Maverick brings – a world champion who has confirmed his talent as a top rider in MotoGP – at a time of great change, after bringing a completely revamped bike to the track and having consistently established ourselves in the group of protagonists, we are also facing a switch in status as a factory team now, in order to take Aprilia to success.
“We are honoured to be able to make all of our best skills available to Vinales along with our enthusiasm and our passion. I am confident that, like Aleix, he will embrace this extremely high-potential project.
“The arrival of Maverick in no way distances Lorenzo Savadori from the team, as he will remain an integral part of the Aprilia Racing family.”