Maverick Vinales will skip the United States Grand Prix this weekend following the death of cousin Dean Berta Vinales, who was killed in a World Supersport 300 crash last weekend.
Aprilia announced in a short statement on Wednesday evening that Maverick would skip the US round of the championship as he continues to mourn the loss of Dean, his 15-year old cousin that competed in the junior superbike series with his uncle’s-Maverick’s father-squad on a Yamaha R3 machine.
“Less than a week has passed since the accident involving Dean Berta Viñales, Viñales’ younger cousin, which is not enough time to regain the serenity needed to race,” began Aprilia’s statement.
“Viñales, with the full and unconditional support of Aprilia Racing, has therefore decided to take a break on his journey of getting to know the bike and team from Noale.
“The entire Aprilia Racing family supports this decision and stands with Viñales and his loved ones.
“There will be other times and other rounds to resume the promising journey begun together, a journey that must be entirely respectful of the people involved and their feelings.”
Dean was involved in a crash during the World Superbike support event at Barcelona along with several other riders, the young Spaniard accidently hit by one of the following machines and tragically succumbing to his injuries shortly after-the entire World Superbike paddock forgoing the rest of Saturday running as a mark of respect.
Vinales will look to make his return at Misano for the second round of the year at the Italian venue in a months time, Aprilia electing to not replace him at the Circuit of the America’s and thus run a sole RS-GP for Aleix Espargaro.
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