Yamaha have parted ways with rider Maverick Vinales with immediate effect, bringing forward their original agreement to separate at the end of the 2021 season.
A statement released by the Yamaha Factory Racing team read that “Yamaha and Maverick Vinales have mutually decided to advance their separation and end their previous 2021 agreement with immediate effect.”
“After the Dutch GP (28 June 2021) it was announced that Yamaha and Maverick Vinales would bring their two-year contract for 2021-22 to an early closure at the end of the current MotoGP season.”
“Following recent events at the Styrian GP and after deep consideration by both parties, the mutual decision was reached to separate with immediate effect.”
Vinales, who it was announced this week will be riding for the Aprilia Racing Team next season, was withdrawn by Yamaha for last weekend’s Austrian GP following his actions at the Styrian GP. Onboard footage from the race showed the Spaniard deliberately revving his engine on the limiter numerous times, an action that would have damaged his engine and could have caused it to blow, potentially leading to an oil spill on track that would have placed both himself and other riders in danger.
Vinales apologised for his actions during an interview at the Austrian GP, stating that they were motivated by frustration at how the race was going.
His and Yamaha’s decision brings to an end a tumultuous four-and-a-half-year relationship, during which time Vinales has regularly complained of a lack of rear grip. Such complaints came to a head this season after Vinales accused Yamaha of a “lack of respect” for not listening to his complaints following his last place finish at June’s German GP.
Cutting a frustrated and isolated figure this season, the announcement gives the Spaniard some much needed time away from the sport before his move to Aprilia.
British rider Cal Crutchlow, who has been riding in place of the injured Franco Morbidelli at the Petronas Yamaha team and is Yamaha’s test rider, will ride for the Factory team at the British Grand Prix next weekend, with fellow Brit Jake Dixon moving up from Moto2 to fill in for Morbidelli.
No decision has been made on who will replace Vinales for the rest of the season.
Featured image by Box Repsol – 2021 MotoGP, Round 05, Le Mans, France, CC BY 2.0; no changes made.
