MotoGP star Maverick Vinales’ debut on the Aprilia RS-GP will take place on the Italian track at Misano Adriatico with a two-day test session.
The first contact between the Spanish rider and the Italian team is scheduled for two days of testing from August 31 – September 1.
This all came about following a meltdown at the Styria GP race in Austria when a dissatisfied Vinales was accused of racing in such a way that he was deliberately trying to blow up or otherwise sabotage the engine on his factory Yamaha.
The Yamaha team then issued Vinales a “don’t come Sunday” message for the following weekend’s GP and his employment contract was terminated with immediate effect.
Following his falling out with Yamaha, the 26-year-old Vinales has been handed a one-year deal at Aprilia, with an option for renewal, and will replace rookie Lorenzo Savadori as team-mate to fellow Catalan Aleix Espargaro.
The test with Aprilia marks the start of Maverick’s integration into the new structure at Aprilia that will accompany him throughout the 2022 season, a gradual approach to the improved harmony that is essential in such an extraordinary championship as modern MotoGP.
“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 Aprilia Racing manager Romano Albesiano.
“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.”
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