Vinales: Yamaha is a great team, but not for me right now

Maverick Vinales remains focused on achieving the best results possible with Yamaha through the final nine MotoGP races of 2021, before a likely move to Aprilia. 

Vinales and Yamaha chose to part ways during the Dutch Grand Prix weekend, a surprising decision given the Spaniard’s deal wasn’t due to end until after the 2022 season.

But although tensions have been running high as the season’s gone on - despite getting off to a win in Qatar, the Spaniard is eager to finish what’s been an up-and-down five years with the Japanese manufacturer on a high. 

The 27 year-old discussed his ‘really difficult situation’ during the pre-event press conference, while extending an apology to fans ‘for my attitude’. 

"The summer break has been fantastic! We came from a good result (Assen) which is important so I enjoy a lot the summer. 

"We come here with a good motivation and at the end, for sure, I want to take the chance to apologise to the fans because sometimes my attitude is not the best. But you know, I’m dealing with a new situation which is difficult. 

"I'm very frustrated, so sometimes I’m not good with communication but I’m learning and trying to improve. 

"I’m trying to give more information about what is going on. Yamaha is a great team, but for me right now not."

For one reason or another, Vinales has been very hot and cold this season, often lamenting the fact he can suddenly be extremely quick or the complete opposite without understanding why. 

"We didn’t have enough capacity to find my best performance and I think right now the most important thing is to concentrate," added Vinales. 

"For sure I’m really motivated and I will give my maximum. There is no doubt that I will give my maximum in every race, every lap. 

"About my future, right now I’m concentrating on that but I cannot tell anymore because I’m concentrating on this race."