Maverick Viñales is a pilot like a sensitive man and he was put to the test during the year 2021. First there were the joys of marriage and fatherhood followed by a start to the season with a victory in Qatar . Then misfortunes followed. The results went so far as to give them the reasons for a resounding divorce with Yamaha. Aprilia was the refuge while the Top Gun was shaken by the tragic disappearance during the race of his young cousin of 15 years Dean Berta Viñales. A moment which sincerely marked him and of which he still bears some scars since he still confides in it...
When his cousin Dean Berta died in a racing accident in the fall of 2021, Maverick Vinales was hit hard. He still talks about it, mentioning that he seriously considered ending his career after this tragedy in Jerez in a race supersport 300 who mowed down the young 15-year-old pilot. “ It was a hard blow for me. I couldn't understand life ", said Maverick Viñales in a candid interview with Niki Kovacs of 'GPSpirit' relayed by motorsport total. " From September to November it was very difficult for me because you think about so many things ».
Maverick Vinales: “honestly, I thought about quitting”
He adds : " for me, my cousin was like my little brother. I took care of him and financed his career. For example, if I bought myself a motorcycle, I bought him the same one so that we could train together ". A week after the fatal accident, the United States Grand Prix was on the calendar. And Casa Particular in Viñales declared withdrawal, with the support ofAprilia. An end to his career was considered. “ Honestly, I thought about quitting. When it happened I wondered why I was running. What's the point ? I have a family. Fortunately, I also have enough money and don't have to worry about it. We are lucky to be paid very well in our sport. So why should I continue ? ".
The Spaniard then received support from his family. “ When my cousin died she was very strong », he says of his wife Rachel. “ I was devastated. She was two steps ahead of me and told me it wasn't my fault. It wasn't anyone's fault. Life is like that. Sometimes life is very difficult. I have a family and I live my own life. She said I had a goal in mind. I talked to her and she asked me what my goal was. And I answered that I want to be world champion » remembers Top Gun.
« This has been my dream since I was a child. And I want to make it happen. So she said I should do it because I have my own destiny and my own career. It was a very difficult time for me. I learned a lot about family. How to be strong and how to fight for your dreams. I'm very lucky to have them around ". It now remains to work to reach the level of the great ambition and there is a way to go in view of its first performance in 2022 with the new RS-GP at Qatar. That being said, his contract with Aprilia runs until the end of 2022 with an option to extend.
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