Vierge rejects MotoGP debut offer from SRT in Aragon

Vierge competes for SRT in the Moto2 class and got the chance to replace the injured Franco Morbidelli on the 2019 M1 in Aragon.

Spaniard’s teammate Jake Dixon did so last weekend at the British Grand Prix after SRT’s original deputy Cal Crutchlow was drafted into the Yamaha factory team to replace the displaced Maverick Vinales.

Dixon continued to improve throughout the Silverstone weekend, but was “really upset” with his racing debut after falling more than 50 seconds behind race winner Fabio Quartararo due to an obvious tire problem.

During the Austrian double race, Yamaha test driver Crutchlow – who retired from racing at the end of 2020 and had not driven his M1 since April – fought his way to 17th place in both Red Bull Ring races on the old “A-spec” Yamaha . Place.

Given the problems both Crutchlow and Dixon faced with Morbidelli’s bike, Vierge has decided to decline the offer to ride the machine in Aragon.

Autosport is aware that Vierge believes that accepting the offer would do more harm than good to his career, especially since there is no option for him to advance to MotoGP with the team in 2022.

Yamaha has already confirmed that Crutchlow will stay with the factory Yamaha for the Aragon GP, ​​which opens the door for Dixon to get another MotoGP inclusion with SRT.

Jake Dixon, Petronas Yamaha SRT

Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images

During the UK GP weekend, SRT announced it would be leaving MotoGP entirely in late 2021, with a new team to be announced during the San Marino GP weekend under the leadership of the current Sepang Racing team management.

Yamaha boss Lin Jarvis confirmed at Silverstone on Sunday that Morbidelli will be promoted to the works squad from Misano and until 2022, while Andrea Dovizioso will make his MotoGP return in Morbidelli’s place at SRT.

The new team that emerged from SRT is believed to receive title sponsorship from Italian company WithU – with Dovizioso receiving a factory-supported Yamaha motorcycle in 2022.

Before this latest twist, it looked like SRT would only have ‘B spec’ M1 by 2022.

It is believed that Dovizioso’s teammate will be Darryn Binder, who will move up to MotoGP straight from SRT’s Moto3 team.

Vierge’s future remains uncertain as the Spaniard has been offered a deal to return to Intact GP in Moto2 or switch to World Superbikes with Honda.