Moto GP: Yamaha suspends Maverick Viñales, suspected of having sabotaged ... his own motorcycle

Difficult to do more twisted as a story.

In Moto GP, the Yamaha team have announced the suspension of their Spanish rider Maverick Viñales, suspected of having sabotaged his own motorcycle during the last Grand Prix last week.

The team explains that its rider showed "improper and unexplained use" of his motorcycle during the Styrian GP last Sunday.

Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Statement:

Yamaha regrets to announce that Maverick Viñales' entry to this weekend's Austrian MotoGP event has been withdrawn by the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team.

📰 https://t.co/Q7yUeXOVNq#MonsterYamaha |

#MotoGP |

#AustrianGP pic.twitter.com/zKpmpmOqqR

- Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP (@YamahaMotoGP) August 12, 2021

After studying the data and telemetry from Viñales "in depth", the Japanese team concluded that "the actions of the rider could have caused significant damage to the engine of his motorcycle, which could have posed serious risks to the rider. itself and possibly represent a danger to all other pilots.

"

Doubts about his presence for the end of the season?

The 6th overall had experienced a particularly complicated race, reporting repeated technical problems. Set off to take last place for the second time in three races, he ended up returning to the garage with one lap from the end. From there to voluntary damage his bike?

Yamaha made the decision not to replace the 26-year-old Spaniard this weekend. For the remainder of the season, "decisions concerning the next races will be taken after a more detailed analysis of the situation and further discussions between Yamaha and the rider", explains the team in its press release. A suspension that comes as relations between Viñales and Yamaha are straining more and more. The two parties have already broken their contract a year earlier than expected. Their collaboration will end at the end of the season. Maverick Viñales is currently being approached at Aprilia.