The nine-time MotoGP race winner was ousted from the Yamaha factory team earlier this month after the team was suspended after deliberately attempting to damage his motorcycle at the Styrian Grand Prix.
Vinales had already made the decision to leave Yamaha a year before his current contract expired as the relationship between him and the brand deteriorated dramatically in 2021 and Aprilia signed the Spaniard for the next season.
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He made his debut on the Aprilia in a two-day test at Misano on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week and will make his racing debut on the motorcycle next weekend in Aragon.
When asked by Autosport if his Aprilia test was the happiest he had in MotoGP this year, Vinales replied: “Probably my life, [I’ve never had] a time when I’m happier because after five years [at Yamaha] there were ups and downs and I didn’t understand a lot.
“In the end, I said, ‘What’s going on?’ But as soon as I jump to Aprilia I know my potential, I know more of what I can do and it was nice to jump fast because I have the opportunity to do six races.
“It’s much better than just doing five days of testing and I’ll try to prepare well with Aleix [Espargaro] the 2022 [bike]which is very important to me. “
Vinales admitted on Wednesday that he was “nervous” about his Aprilia debut, particularly as the RS-GP’s engine is completely different from the one he’s ridden at Suzuki and Yamaha since 2015.
The Spaniard says he was surprised at how quickly he got used to the V4-powered Aprilia but admitted that his testing and racing plans weren’t anticipated anytime soon.
“Honestly, I expected to be home by November and wait to ride the bike on the test,” he said.
Maverick Vinales, Aprilia Racing Team Gresini
Photo by: Aprilia Racing
“But this opportunity is being made mainly because I’m leaving [Yamaha], and because Aprilia gave me the opportunity.
“What basically makes me happy is that all the guys work really hard, their enthusiasm is really strong.
“And also coming from the podium [at Silverstone with Espargaro], it is the best time to join the team and try to give them feedback.
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“Sure, Alex and [Lorenzo] Savadori did a great job because they were very fast and the bike works well. I was quite surprised because the adaptation to the bike was really quick. “
He added: “Basically I have to change the way I brake, it’s a little different. This is a big learning curve because the way you brake with the Aprilia is completely different [to the Yamaha].
“I’ll need laps and Aleix is a very tough brakeman too, so I have to learn a little bit from him how to do this heavy braking, but I think that will come with confidence.”
Vinales went on to say that he knew he wanted to ride the Aprilia in Aragon on Tuesday “as soon as I have done three bike races”.
During his first media briefing as an Aprilia rider, Vinales wasn’t allowed to talk about his Yamaha split but said it was “fair” for the brand to let him join the team in 2021 because “everyone must” have the opportunity to do things in the To leave the past ”.