One of the more surprising departures during the off-season was Maverick Vinales’ announcement of joining Aprilia. There had been much speculation about whether or not Vinales would be staying with Movistar Yamaha MotoGP.But when he revealed his move to the Noale based manufacturer, it was a shock for both fans and pundits alike.
The rumours of Maverick Vinales’ departure from Yamaha Racing were contentious at best. Earlier, both parties denied having any tension. But that changed one week before the Austrian GP event when Vinales received a suspension for intentionally trying to blow his engine up during the Styrian GP.
As a result, rumours began that Vinales would be taking his talents over to Aprilia Racing Team Gresini for the remainder of the season.
It’s no secret that it’s been a rough couple of years for Maverick Vinales and Aprilia. With an inability to truly compete at the front of MotoGP and struggles in developing their machines. Things haven’t been pretty for the duo.
With a fresh start in 2022 and a new bike. Maverick is looking past his previous two seasons with Aprilia and focusing on the future.
The young Spanish rider has made a more positive impact on the Team Italia squad and hopes to finish higher in the points than he did last season.
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“An Italian team is very different from a Japanese one. I’ve always had a good relationship with Japanese manufacturers because I love the food, the culture, the places, the way they are—calm, systematic.
You adapt to that. But other than that, I needed a little more fire around me. A little more support on and off the track. After all, I want to show a lot, and that was difficult there in the end.”
It can’t be easy to start a new job and get acclimated to the culture. Especially when joining a new company, you’re trying to find your place in an unfamiliar situation. Maverick Vinales will be facing just that challenge ahead of the 2022 MotoGP season.
Next year, the Spaniard is moving from the Yamaha Factory Team to Aprilia Racing Team Gresini. While the switch from Yamaha to Aprilia could also bring new opportunities for Vinales, at least one factor should help him adjust to his new team: his teammate.
Who is Aleix Espargaro, and who was with him with the Suzuki Ecstar team in 2015.
via Speedweek, Motorcycle Sports
