Maverick Viñales takes on a final challenge at Aprilia and prepares his future at Tech3

One of the big surprises of June was the signing of Maverick Vinales at Tech3. The Spaniard chose to leave the comfortable position he occupied in the Aprilia factory team, to take on a new challenge within the KTM fold.

An announcement all the more surprising given that he had just found the keys to success with the Noale factory, winning his first victory under their banner during the Grand Prix of the Americas.

The No. 12, however, needed to take on a new challenge after having somewhat come full circle with this appearance on the top step of the podium. A victory that he also signed with a third different manufacturer, after Suzuki and Yamaha.

“I think I can be the first rider in history to win with four different machines, which would be incredible, confides Vinales on MotoGP.com. It's a gamble, and that's the choice I made. I believe in myself, and I believe that my instinct will not deceive me.

I think that with this victory I have finished writing my story at Aprilia. So I had to find other goals, He continues. I feel like I'm not done yet. I still have the potential to shine like I shined in Austin. I simply had to find under what conditions I would like to do it, and that is what governed my choice. I admit I didn't understand why it took me so long to experience success with Aprilia. »

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One last mission at Aprilia for Vinales

Vinales took part in 49 Grands Prix with the brand before finding victory, and has not managed to compare with his garage neighbor since 2022.

“In 2022, the bike was very good, and Aleix had an excellent season, but I was not able to respond, adds the Iberian again. We then realized that there was something in the settings that was working against me. And when we sorted it out, everything started to align for me. I know the bike, I know the people on the team, but I no longer want to be satisfied with seventh place in the championship. »

©Michelin

The objective will nevertheless be to finish in style with Aprilia. To do this, Vinales sets itself more than ambitious objectives. He also realizes that these are more in the realm of the imagination.

“I want to fight for the front positions. I am grateful for the opportunity Aprilia gave me, and I am giving my all in this second half of the season to give them the best possible bike for next year.

Finishing in style would be the greatest gift I could give them. Maybe I'm dreaming a little too much, but I'd like to get third place in the championship. We are the best after Ducati, so I want to believe it. But to achieve this I will have to beat some very big names in this sport” cconcludes Maverick Viñales.

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