Aprilia and Viñales were the stars behind the scenes in this Dutch Grand Prix in Assen. The fault lies in a rumor that links them for 2022, when the divorce will be pronounced between the Spaniard and his current employer Yamaha. The driver concerned did not elaborate on the case of the RS-GP, but confirmed that his days on the M1 were numbered. Within the Noale brand, we gave our opinion. From Massimo Rivola to Aleix Espargaró…
Maverick Vinales is therefore leaving from Yamaha, although he has a contract until the end of 2022. But the Spaniard wants to look elsewhere if the grass is greener. He made it clear and tomorrow, Monday, we expect a press release from the in-tune brand to shed light on this situation. However, leaving the M1 means finding another bike, because there is apparently no question of retirement.
And this other machine would be badged Aprilia. It's a surprise, given the standing of the team and the level of the RS-GP. Certainly promising, but not yet up to the standard of the M1. However, this is the only potential place to take. On the economic situation, the Aprilia competition director Massimo rivola was cautious: “ it's premature to talk about it, because we must also respect the current situation and therefore the Yamaha contract » said the Italian on motogp.com which quickly gets to the point: “ but if it is available we are interested ».
As for Aleix Espargaró, we are also sensitive to this speculation, and all the more so since he knows very well a Casa Particular in Viñales with whom he shared the box Suzuki during the 2015 and 2016 seasons: “ Maverick's talent is very high, I'm not saying that because he's a very good friend but as a former teammate. I worked very well with him to improve the bike, analyzing the telemetry data together. Maverick is very strong, I don't know what is true or not about the transition to Aprilia, but it would be a dream team ».
Aprilia: “the young people who refused to come will regret this choice in the future”
The addition of Casa Particular in Viñales could reshape the hierarchies within the Italian house, but as Espargaró himself admitted, this combination could lead to development improvements on a bike that has clearly progressed in recent races. The Spaniard, who has been riding Noale's bike for 5 seasons, has been fundamental in this process of evolution, which continues.
« I was very angry when I learned from Massimo Rivola that in 2022 we would not have more than two motorcycles on the track. Then I was also very angry when I learned that some young Moto2 riders didn't want to come race with us. I love Aprilia, I feel this project as if it were mine and I always want to improve. I think that these riders who are in Moto2 who had the chance to come and who refused will regret this choice in the future. They missed a great opportunity and I hope my partner in 2022 can be a really fast and strong driver, because we deserve it and we are not far from the top ». Dovizioso would he have missed the mark?
