Vinales was suspended from Yamaha after the Styrian Grand Prix after it was discovered that he had attempted to deliberately damage the engine of his motorcycle.
Last week, Yamaha announced it was parting with Vinales with immediate effect, with the Spaniard having already signed a one-year deal with Aprilia to partner Aleix Espargaro in 2022.
Motorsport.com reported last week that Aprilia would be moving to try and get Vinales on their bike as soon as possible in 2021, thinking they would have a test at Misano by the end of the month.
Aprilia has now confirmed that Vinales will compete in the RS-GP for the first time on August 31st and September 1st in a two-day test in Misano.
“From a technical point of view, it is always fascinating to listen to the impressions of a rider who is testing his bike for the first time,” said Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola.
“Especially with a champion like Maverick, whom we would like to welcome to the Aprilia Racing family.
“After the great work the racing department has done on the track over the past two years, we are adding another piece to our growth path with encouraging results.
“Of course, the first approach involves a very practical adjustment phase in terms of ergonomics and setup, which we know are different for each driver.
“But I’m sure Maverick’s talent and speed will show up immediately and I can’t wait to start working together.”
Maverick Vinales, Yamaha Factory Racing
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
This test would give Aprilia enough time to assess whether Vinales is ready to race the RS-GP at the Aragon GP as early as September 12, while the San Marino GP takes place at Misano the following week.
It is unclear how Vinales’ 2022 signing and this test in Misano will affect Andrea Dovizioso’s future relationship with Aprilia.
The 15-time MotoGP race winner signed up for a testing program with Aprilia earlier this year with a view to getting back on the grid full-time next year, but Vinales’ commitment has locked the door on a race ride at Aprilia.
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The Italian has since been linked to a possible return to SRT in 2022, which will see a rebranding later this year following the departure of Petronas as title sponsor.
Vinales’ place at Yamaha was taken by test rider Cal Crutchlow for the British GP this weekend, but it is unclear whether the Briton will end the season on the factory M1.