VINALES TO MISS US MOTOGP

Maverick Vinales will miss the next MotoGP World Championship round in the US to mourn the death of his cousin in a racing accident last week.

The Aprilia rider has elected to sit out the Grand Prix of the Americas, held on October 4 at the Circuit of the Americas in Texas.

Vinales’ 15-year-old cousin Dean Berta Vinales died in a tragic incident during Race 1 of the Jerez round of the World Supersport 300 Championship, a feeder category in World Superbikes.

Aprilia released a statement confirming the decision, while also offering their full support for Vinales.

“Maverick Vinales will not be on the starting grid for the GP of the Americas scheduled this weekend on the circuit in Austin, Texas,” the statement read.

“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.

“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.”

Vinales made the controversial switch from Yamaha to Aprilia in August, finishing 18th and 13th in his first two events for the marque at Aragon and San Marino.

No date has been set for the Spaniards return at this point.

Furthermore, Aprilia have not confirmed whether Vinales will be replaced by test rider Lorenzo Savadori.

Dean Berta Vinales is the third teenager to have died during international motorcycle racing events in 2021.

Teenager Hugo Milan was killed in a crash in a European Talent Cup race at Aragon in July, and 19-year-old Moto3 World Championship rider Jason Dupasquier died in May after an incident at Mugello.

For more of the latest motorsport news pick up the current issue of Auto Action. Also make sure you follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or our weekly email newsletter for all the latest updates between issues.