Aprilia “doesn’t want to rush Vinales to a MotoGP race outing”

Vinales will join the Italian brand in 2022, having applied back in June to end his contract with Yamaha at the end of this season.

Yamaha officially parted ways with Vinales last week after Yamaha attempted to deliberately damage his motorcycle’s engine at the Styrian GP, ​​resulting in his suspension from the Austrian GP.

On Thursday, Aprilia announced that she will be using Vinales in a two-day test at Misano next weekend and it has been known that she is working hard to get him on the grid as soon as possible.

But speaking to the MotoGP world feed during FP1 for Friday’s British GP, Rivola says it’s important that Vinales is comfortable with the team before a decision is made about his 2021 race.

“Yes, it’s a great opportunity because the test we’re doing next is just for that purpose,” said Rivola when asked about Vinales’ test.

“The sooner we get him on the bike, the better it is for the next year.

“Definitely [after] At the test we will decide what to do, but of course having him on the bike race would be another step.

“But at the same time we don’t want to be in too much rush, we need it to be comfortable, so the test is pretty important.”

Lorenzo Savadori, Aprilia Racing Team Gresini

Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images

Vinales will take Lorenzo Savadori’s place at Aprilia next season, but Rivola praised the work the rookie with a superbike background has done.

Rivola was also interested in highlighting the importance of signing Vinales for the 2022 team, which he believes is one of the top talents in the MotoGP paddock right now.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for us. I rate Maverick as one of the very best, maybe even the best talent in the paddock,” added Rivola.

“Well, I’m happy. I’m really excited to see him on the bike, all of Aleix’s teammates [Espargaro] have had a hard time.

“I have to say Lorenzo is doing a good job so far because he comes from a completely different world and is growing from race to race.

“If we have this opportunity, it won’t be against Lorenzo, but for Maverick.

“Even Lorenzo knows it will be an opportunity for Maverick to learn.

“Everyone in Noale is excited, it’s the greatest chance in Aprilia’s history, and to be more than a friend of Aleix, I think it can be a very good combination.”