It seems the rumors are true: Maverick Viñales will leave Monster Energy Yamaha at the end of the 2021 MotoGP season – a full year earlier than what was originally agreed. The feeling is thankfully mutual as Yamaha has also agreed to terminate the contract early.
“It is with sadness that we will say farewell to Maverick at the end of the year,” said Lin Jarvis, managing director of Yamaha Racing.
News of Viñales’ wish to split with Yamaha after 5 years has been going around, and sources say that the final nail in the coffin was the Spaniard’s devastating finish at the German GP over a week ago.
“This partnership has been very significant to me over the last five years, and it proved a difficult decision to part ways,” said Viñales, who has never failed to finish outside of the top six in the World Championship with Yamaha.
“After the German GP, which was the most difficult weekend of our partnership, we had important discussions in Assen and came to the conclusion that it would be in the interest of both parties to go our separate ways in the future,” added Jarvis.
This split between Viñales and Yamaha means that the Spaniard will be free for the 2022 season. Many believe he may be joining Aprilia.
“If Viñales is available, we’re interested,” said Aprilia Racing CEO, Massimo Rivola.
Yamaha, through Jarvis, had promised that they will give their full support to Viñales until they finally go their separate ways at the end of the 2021 racing season.
“Yamaha will put in their maximum effort – as we always have done – to give full support to Maverick and finish this season in the very best way possible.”
