Vinales to leave Yamaha for Aprilia in 2022

Following a 2nd place finish at Dutch TT, Maverick Vinales announced that he will leave Yamaha Factory Racing at the end of 2021 season. The Spaniard signed to Yamaha in 2017 after his departure from Suzuki; he will signed his multi-year contract with Aprilia Racing Team from 2022 season onwards, partnering with fellow compatriot Aleix Espargaro.

Meanwhile in the Yamaha team, championship leader Fabio Quartararo signed his multi-year contract with Yamaha Factory Racing until 2024, but Yamaha still yet to announce Vinales' replacement for 2022 season onwards. Speculation said that Yamaha Factory Racing's wildcard rider Garrett Gerloff (who currently competing in World Superbike Championship) will take over Vinales' seat from 2022 season.

Source:

- https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2021/06/28/vinales-to-split-from-yamaha-at-the-end-of-2021/382207

- https://www.motogp.com/en/videos/2021/06/27/aleix-espargaro-urges-vinales-to-join-him-at-aprilia-in-2022/381910