MotoGP: Maverick Vinales and Yamaha part ways with immediate effect
Maverick Vinales and Yamaha have agreed to part ways with immediate effect.
Following a turbulent 2021 campaign for Maverick Vinales’ side of the Yamaha garage, both Vinales and Yamaha have agreed to terminate his contract for 2021 with immediate effect. There is no surprise of this move given the recent events including Vinales’ attempt to blow up his engine at the Syrian Grand Prix after announcing in the race prior at Assen that the duo will not honour their 2022 contract together.
This move means Vinales is now free to test and race for Aprilia as of now if Aprilia decides to get a head start for 2022.
Lin Jarvis (Yamaha Motor Racing Managing Director): “In Assen Yamaha and Viñales already announced the mutual decision to cut short their original 2021-2022 programme and to finish it at the end of 2021. A commitment was made by both rider and team to continue to the end of the current season, with the team guaranteeing its full support and the rider giving his maximum efforts so that we could finish the project ’in style‘.
“Regretfully at the Styrian GP the race did not go well or end well and consequently after deep consideration by both parties, the mutual decision was reached that it would be better for both parties if we end the partnership earlier. The early separation will release the rider to be free to follow his chosen future direction and will also permit the team to focus its efforts on the remaining races of the 2021 season with a replacement rider – yet to be determined.
“I would like to express Yamaha‘s sincere gratitude to Maverick. Yamaha will continue to cherish the good memories and appreciate the work both parties put into the 4.5 years spent together that brought us 8 race victories, 24 podiums, and two third places in the 2017 and 2019 overall rider standings.
“We wish Maverick all the very best in his future endeavours.”
Maverick Viñales: “Following our mutual decision in Assen to part ways a year early, it was also decided to commit to completing the current season with maximum effort from both sides. However, at the Styrian GP the race didn‘t turn out as we had hoped, and regrettably it did not end well.
“After thorough consideration both parties have agreed it would be best to end the partnership with immediate effect.
“I am deeply grateful to Yamaha for the great opportunity. I am also thankful for the support they gave me during these 4.5 years of racing and will look back with pride on the results we achieved together.
“I will always have great respect for Yamaha and wish them the very best.”
