Aprilia rider Maverick Vinales will not compete in this weekend’s Austin MotoGP race after deciding to remain at home in Spain with his family following the death of his 15-year-old cousin Dean Berta Vinales in last weekend’s World Supersport 300 race at Jerez.
In a brief statement released ahead of the race, the Aprilia team announced the decision and confirmed that Vinales has its full support as he and his family continue to bereave the death of Dean (below), who raced for Maverick’s father Angel’s Vinales Racing Team.
“Less than a week has passed since the accident involving Dean Berta Vinales, Maverick’s young cousin, which is not enough time to regain the serenity needed to race,” said the Italian manufacturer in a press release issued ahead of the race at the Circuit of the Americas.
“Maverick, with the full and unconditional support of Aprilia Racing, has therefore decided to take a break on his journey of getting to know the bike and team from Noale.
“The entire Aprilia Racing family supports this decision, and stands with Maverick and his loved ones.
“There will be other times and other rounds to resume the promising journey begun together.
“A journey that must be entirely respectful of the people involved and their feelings.”
This weekend was set to be Vinales’ third race for Aprilia after his dramatic mid-season split from the factory Yamaha team and subsequent move to Aprilia.
He replaced Lorenzo Savadori at the team, with the Italian reverting to test rider duties for them.
