Viñales, back at the next Aragon GP

Yesterday, Maverick Viñales took his first laps on the Aprilia RS-GP during a private test (although open to a few spectators) on the Misano circuit.

According to the Catalan, who has not yet held a press briefing, he would have clocked 1'33.0; the record being set at 1'31.077 by the same Viñales. For the moment, the former Yamaha resident has only reported “good feelings” on his Instagram account.

But after barely more than a day of riding, Aprilia decided to offer the services of its new recruit at the next meeting at MotorLand Aragon. He will take the place of Lorenzo Savadori, who had to withdraw from the British GP due to his ankle injury sustained after his collision with Dani Pedrosa's KTM in Styria. “ We are extremely proud to be able to announce our plans for the season and for the one to come with the objective of maximizing the contributions of our three drivers, said Massimo Rivola, CEO of Aprilia Racing. In addition to our experienced rider, Aleix, we have the pleasure of welcoming an athlete as talented as Maverick to the Aprilia Racing team, who immediately experienced an excellent feeling with the team and the bike and who, I I'm sure, will be able to give the best of himself from the Aragon GP. "

Savadori will take on the role of test rider for the Noale firm from next year and Aprilia promises him a few wildcards between now and the final in Valencia. “ This is a fundamental role which rewards the great efforts he has made to develop the new RS-GP, added Rivola.. He will finish the 2021 season by taking advantage of the wildcards that we will decide together as soon as he is back to 100%. »

Mack is back in action! 🤩

Check out some of the early laps as Maverick Viñales got his first taste of the Aprilia RS-GP at Misano! 💪#MotoGP pic.twitter.com/uk5DrVVnt1

— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) August 31

From a more technical point of view, Romano Albesiano, technical director of Aprilia Racing, says he is optimistic about the progress of the next Grands Prix. “ The decision to run Maverick in Aragon is the result of tests carried out in Misano, he emphasized. It was not easy for Maverick, after a career spent so far riding an in-line engine motorcycle, to immediately feel a good feeling with our V4. This is why the test on this circuit, traditionally not easy for our machine, was an important moment to assess the situation. We are satisfied with the immediately positive comments from Maverick, who showed a good feeling both with the RS-GP and with the team and our working method. His talent and that of Aleix, combined with the experience gained by Lorenzo this season, make us optimistic about the future of our MotoGP project. »

Before Aprilia's first MotoGP podium at Silverstone, the factory had a sixth place best result, including twice in Aragon. The Alcañiz route therefore favors the RS-GP. And if Viñales were to win, he would become the first driver to win for two different brands in the same season since Mike Hailwood in 1971 (Norton/MV Agusta)…