If the term “roller coaster” fits particularly well with the Portimao circuit which hosted the Grand Prix this weekend MotoGP from Portugal, it could also be used to describe the racing results of the unfortunate Aprilia rider Maverick Vinales.
After his victory in the 12-lap Sprint on Saturday, the Aprilia rider was completely unrecognizable, abandoning his usual euphoric attitude when successful, to remain in maximum concentration devoid of any sign of satisfaction.
At Sunday's MotoGP Portuguese Grand Prix, this new approach seemed to have paid off perfectly, with the number 12 approaching the finish line with a second place almost assured in his pocket.
Alas, a particularly cruel fate would fall on his shoulders and decide otherwise. In the last round, Maverick Vinales experienced a problem forcing him first to slow down in the straight then to widen without falling at turn 1, following which his official RS-GP decided to eject him with a sudden kick of the rear axle.
Incredible end to the Grand Prix, Maverick Vinales falls on the last lap and allows Pedro Acosta to get on the podium! 😱#PortugueseGP | #MotoGP pic.twitter.com/nGpxvzWNwJ
- CANAL + MotoGP ™ (@CanalplusMotoGP) March 24, 2024
Such a reaction from its mount was immediately considered abnormal by all spectators and, indeed, a few minutes later, Aprilia announced that “Maverick's bike probably suffered from a gearbox problem. More in-depth analyzes are underway.”
We can perfectly imagine the Catalan's disappointment Maverick Vinales...
