Maverick Viñales at Aprilia… We told you about it from Assen. One of our paddock sources reacted just after the shocking announcement of Viñales leaving Yamaha prematurely: he was 80% certain that he was going to take up residence at Aprilia in 2022. Then with the story of a free Ducati VR46, the percentage of certainty dropped before rising sharply in the middle of the Styrian Grand Prix. We would even be at 100% now...
By finishing his Styrian Grand Prix with the bitter taste of abandonment due to engine failure, Aleix Espargaró was not sparing in his reproaches towards his employer who had to get his act together. At least, in Noale, we are accustomed to direct criticism, so much so that we are able to welcome a Maverick Vinales who, himself, never holds back from a scathing remark about his team when things go wrong. Recently, in Styria, he declared that the reason for his departure from Yamaha was that he did not feel comfortable with his team leaders, while also getting along very well with his mechanics…
Maverick Viñales would arrive thanks to Aleix Espargaró
But what aboutAprilia ? Alex Espargaro is waiting for him with open arms and he has already proclaimed it loud and clear. According to the Sky Sport MotoGP channel, Maverick Vinales would have already signed with Aprilia to race in 2022 with the Noale brand. The Spaniard had declared in recent days that he was not going to take a sabbatical, as did Andrea Dovizioso. The most likely probability was therefore that he would join the team Aprilia.
According to the TV station, Maverick's friend, Aleix Espargaro, would have been the key to the negotiations. Aleix reportedly acted as a mediator between the two parties to ensure a motorcycle that suited the rider's riding style. Casa Particular in Viñales. According to Sky Sport, the contract would be for one year with the possibility of renewal and with reviewable clauses depending on the driver's performance.
We are there for the moment. In the meantime, here is what an RS-GP dedicated to Top Gun would give according to Solomoto.es...
(Photomontage: ridertua.com)
