Vinales “did the right thing” when apologizing to the Yamaha MotoGP team

Vinales was banned by Yamaha and withdrawn from the Red Bull Ring event this weekend after deliberately attempting to blow up the engine of his motorcycle at the Styrian GP last weekend.

The nine-time MotoGP race winner apologized in his first media appearances since his suspension to Yamaha for his actions on Saturday at the Red Bull Ring and blamed his behavior on the general frustration with his situation in the Styrian race.

Vinales had already announced after the Dutch TT in June that he would be leaving Yamaha at the end of this season, as his relationship with the team had irreparably deteriorated during the 2021 season.

It is unclear if Vinales will ride for Yamaha again this season, though a decision on that will have to be made by the team after further discussion.

Marquez thinks it “logical” Vinales will return to his M1 for the British GP at the end of August and end the season with Yamaha while advising him to tackle the end of the campaign as hard as possible so as not to jeopardize his future.

Maverick Vinales, Yamaha Factory Racing

Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images

“Last weekend’s behavior didn’t look good for Yamaha,” said the Honda rider.

“He put himself in danger, but he did the right thing [in apologising] and the most logical thing is that he will be back on track with the Yamaha at Silverstone and that he will end the season.

“If I were him, I would try to end the year as well as possible, because he is still very young, he has many years ahead of him and these things can harm you in the future.”

Vinales’ factory Yamaha team-mate Valentino Rossi said at the beginning of the weekend that he hopes the rider and team can reconcile afterwards, adding again on Saturday that Vinales races at Silverstone would be “the best for everyone” .

“Maverick said what he had to say, which is also the truth,” said Rossi.

“He was frustrated, but there was no way he wanted to break the engine.

“I think asking for forgiveness gives him a chance to race at Silverstone, which would be best for everyone.”

Yamaha test rider Cal Crutchlow also showed his support for Vinales and insisted that the Spaniard was “not dangerous” and a “great rider” on the track.