As its relationship with Yamaha deteriorated during a difficult 2021 season, the Japanese brand gave up on the 28th of 2021.
When speculation began over the Assen weekend that Vinales would take a seat at Aprilia, there was no announcement from the Italian brand – although it has expressed interest.
Speaking to selected media outlets on Tuesday at a trackday in Barcelona that was attended by a number of MotoGP riders, Vinales said there had been no movement for his future in 2022.
“It stands still,” said Vinales when asked about his situation in 2022.
“Now I want to enjoy my vacation because the first half of the season was pretty tough and I want to enjoy my family.
“I have nothing with anyone. I want to take it easy and we’ll see what happens in 2022. “
The Aprilia 2021 is the best motorcycle the brand has built in the modern MotoGP era. Aleix Espargaro has been a regular top 6 finish so far this season and is nearing the podium.
When told that the Aprilia option came as a surprise as it is not on the same race win level as the Yamaha, Vinales added, “With Aleix they are improving a lot and it is clear that he drives well.
“When I followed him, I couldn’t draw any conclusions.”
Aleix Espargaro Aprilia Racing Team Gresini Maverick Vinales Yamaha Factory Racing
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Vinales has said that his main reason for leaving Yamaha is because he couldn’t give his maximum on the bike.
This remains his main focus for his future move and hasn’t ruled out a sabbatical if he can’t find that in 2022.
“Well, it’s clear that it wouldn’t be the best because you have to compete,” he said.
“The most important thing is to compete, but when I’m not feeling well and am not enjoying myself … what frustrates me the most is that I can’t give 100%, and when I can’t give it I prefer to stay home and enjoy life.
“In the end everything happens very quickly and in this world in which we live 10 years fly by and you don’t enjoy them.
“At the moment while we were working, I didn’t like anything on the tracks.
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“In this second part of the season I want to change this dynamic, enjoy it and give it my maximum.
“Nothing changes for me, I will give everything I have and if you make me try things I will try them out and give you the right information, I will be a professional like I should be.”