Maverick Vinales will make his Aprilia MotoGP debut next week at Misano, when the former Yamaha rider takes to the track for the first time on the RS-GP machine, as reported earlier this week by The Race.
Released by Yamaha following their high-profile falling out at the Red Bull Ring, it means he can start preparing for his 2022 season with the Italian firm – and maybe even a return to racing earlier than that.
Vinales will ride at Aprilia’s home circuit, which will hold two races later in the season, on August 31 and September 1.
Yamaha’s decision to formally release Vinales immediately rather than hold him to his contract until the end of the year means he is now free to start working on adapting to the v-four-powered Aprilia bike right away.
The choice of Misano could be a hint that we could see him making a race debut before the year is out, should Aprilia choose to substitute him for current rider Lorenzo Salvadori.
From a technical perspective, it also gives the team the chance to start tailoring its 2022 machine to the Spaniard’s personal preferences – something that team technical boss Romano Albesiano says is an exciting prospect.
“From a technical point of view, it is always fascinating to listen to the impressions of a rider who is testing your bike for the first time,” said the veteran engineer in a statement confirming Vinales’ test.
“Especially with a champion like Maverick, who we are pleased to welcome into the Aprilia Racing family. After the great work carried out on the track by the racing department over the last two years, we are adding yet another piece to the path of growth that we are undertaking with encouraging results.
“Clearly the first approach involves a very practical adaptation phase, in terms of ergonomics and setup, which we know vary for each rider.
“But I’m sure that Maverick’s talent and speed will come to the fore right away and I can’t wait to start working together.”
The news of Vinales’ test comes just before current Aprilia test rider Andrea Doviziozo’s contract with the firm expires on September 1, likely marking the end of his foray with the brand.
News is expected in the coming days that Dovizioso could return to action before the end of the year with Petronas Yamaha.
