Aprilia rider Maverick Vinales will not be racing in the United States MotoGP in Austin, Texas following the demise of his cousin Dean Berta Vinales last weekend at Jerez after a horrific bike accident.
Dean Berta Vinales sustained serious head and chest injuries after several riders crashed in the World Supersport 300 race. The 15-year-old was on a Yamaha R3 racing for Vinales Racing Team which is run by the family.
With only a few days passed after Berta Vinales demise, Maverick vinales has opted out of MotoGP races for the time being to spend time with the grieving family.
“Less than a week has passed since the accident involving Dean Berta Viñales, Maverick’s young cousin, which is not enough time to regain the serenity needed to race. Maverick, with the full and unconditional support of Aprilia Racing, has therefore decided to take a break on his journey of getting to know the bike and team from Noale,” the official Aprilia statement reads.
“The entire Aprilia Racing family supports this decision and stands with Maverick and his loved ones. There will be other times and other rounds to resume the promising journey begun together. A journey that must be entirely respectful of the people involved and their feelings.”
Maverick Viñales has raced twice for Aprilia since his sensational switch to the Italian manufacturer from factory Yamaha racing team. The Spaniard 18th and 13th in his opening races on the RS-GP, at Aragon and Misano respectively.
At this stage it’s unknown whether Lorenzo Savadori will return to racing action in place of Viñales. Savadori has returned to his role of test rider following Viñales’ arrival at the team.
A minute of silence will be held today (September 30) at 16:15 (local time in Austin) in memory of Dean Berta Viñales.
