Yamaha has suspended Maverick Vinales, withdrawing him from the Austrian Grand Prix, due to an “unexplained irregular operation” of his bike during last weekend’s Styrian Grand Prix.
Yamaha released a short statement on Thursday morning, ahead of the second Red Bull Ring encounter, explaining that the Spaniard’s entry into the event had been withdrawn following “in-depth analysis of telemetry and data over the last few days”.
It suggested that with his actions Vinales had placed himself and his fellow riders in danger by causing significant damage to his engine.
Championship leader Fabio Quartararo will be the only entry submitted by the factory Yamaha squad this weekend.
“Yamaha regrets to announce that Maverick Viñales’ entry to this weekend’s Austrian MotoGP event has been withdrawn by the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team,” began Yamaha’s brief statement.
“The absence follows the suspension of the rider by Yamaha due to the unexplained irregular operation of the motorcycle by the rider during last weekend’s Styria MotoGP race.
“Yamaha’s decision follows an in-depth analysis of telemetry and data over the last days.
“Yamaha’s conclusion is that the rider’s actions could have potentially caused significant damage to the engine of his YZR-M1 bike which could have caused serious risks to the rider himself and possibly posed a danger to all other riders in the MotoGP race.
“The rider will not be replaced at the Austrian GP.
“Decisions regarding the future races will be taken after a more detailed analysis of the situation and further discussions between Yamaha and the rider.”
Vinales endured a fraught race in Styria, starting from the pit lane after an issue on the formation lap, and he was unclassified after pulling into the pits on the final lap.
Yamaha’s decision to suspend Vinales for Austria potentially spells the end of his partnership with the marque with eight races left to run in 2021.
Vinales has competed for Yamaha since 2017 but, despite winning eight races, has yet to mount a consistent title charge.
He won the 2021 opener in Qatar but has since slipped to sixth in the standings.
It was announced earlier in the season that Vinales and Yamaha would split at the end of 2021, one season earlier than contracted.
Vinales’ father’s race team – which currently competes in the World Supersport 300 series – announced that it would be splitting from Yamaha on Tuesday.
Vinales has been linked with a switch to Aprilia for the 2022 MotoGP season though no deal has yet been announced.
