Yamaha and Maverick Vinales has mutually ended their contract for the 2021 MotoGP season after the happenings between the two.
The agreement between Yamaha and Vinales has ended with immediate effect for the 2021 MotoGP season, which is described as a ‘mutual decision’, by the Japanese manufacturer. The Spaniard will no longer ride for the team for the rest of the year.
This ends a turbulent partnership, especially in the last few months. Yamaha and Vinales had already decided to end terms for 2022 during the course of Dutch GP. However, the Styrian GP saw the Spaniard operate the M1 irregularly, which upset the team.
He was suspended by Yamaha from taking part in Austrian GP and now he will no longer ride the M1 for the rest of the 2021 MotoGP season. This may help Vinales to get on with Aprilia already this year – provided the Japanese manufacturer has no issues on their end.
“In Assen Yamaha and Vinales already announced the mutual decision to cut short their original 2021-2022 programme and to finish it at the end of 2021,” said Lin Jarvis. “A commitment was made by both rider and team to continue to the end of the current season, with the team guaranteeing its full support and the rider giving his maximum efforts so that we could finish the project ’in style‘.
“Regretfully at the Styrian GP the race did not go well or end well and consequently after deep consideration by both parties, the mutual decision was reached that it would be better for both parties if we end the partnership earlier. The early separation will release the rider to be free to follow his chosen future direction and will also permit the team to focus its efforts on the remaining races of the 2021 season with a replacement rider – yet to be determined.
“I would like to express Yamaha‘s sincere gratitude to Maverick. Yamaha will continue to cherish the good memories and appreciate the work both parties put into the 4.5 years spent together that brought us 8 race victories, 24 podiums, and two third places in the 2017 and 2019 overall rider standings. We wish Maverick all the very best in his future endeavours.”
At the same time, Vinales added: “Following our mutual decision in Assen to part ways a year early, it was also decided to commit to completing the current season with maximum effort from both sides. However, at the Styrian GP the race didn‘t turn out as we had hoped, and regrettably it did not end well.
“After thorough consideration both parties have agreed it would be best to end the partnership with immediate effect. I am deeply grateful to Yamaha for the great opportunity. I am also thankful for the support they gave me during these 4.5 years of racing and will look back with pride on the results we achieved together. I will always have great respect for Yamaha and wish them the very best.”
Here’s news on Maverick Vinales joining Aprilia