Maverick Vinales will make his Aprilia debut at next weekend’s MotoGP Aragon Grand Prix and replace Lorenzo Savadori for the rest of the season.
Vinales is currently taking part in a two-day test at Misano to familiarise himself with the RS-GP after announcing he had signed with the Italian marque two weeks ago following the Austrian GP.
It has now been confirmed that he will replace current race rider Savadori on the second full-time machine alongside Aleix Espargaro for the rest of the year.
Savadori will stay on as test rider for 2022, alongside several more wild-card outings this year, after he recovers from the broken ankle he suffered in a fiery crash during the Styrian GP.
“We are extremely proud to be able to announce our plans for the current season and for 2022 with the goal of optimising the contributions of our three riders to the utmost,” said Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola.
“Alongside our confirmed rider, Aleix, it is our pleasure to welcome a talented athlete like Maverick to the Aprilia Racing team, who demonstrated a great feeling with the team and the bike straight away and who I am confident will be able to give his best as early as the Aragón GP.
“At the same time, we are also confirming Lorenzo’s role as 2022 test rider.
“This is a fundamental position that rewards the great efforts he has demonstrated in developing the new RS-GP, whereas he will finish out the 2021 season taking advantage of the wild cards that we’ll decide on together as soon as he is back to 100 per cent fitness.”
Vinales was suspended by previous employer Yamaha in Austria after over-revving the M1 during the closing stages at the Red Bull Ring.
Yamaha ultimately elected to sack the Spaniard, freeing him up to join Aprilia, having already been set to split from the Japanese marque at the end of 2021.
