Aprilia is determined to keep Maverick Viñales for the 2025 MotoGP season… but the rider may have other plans and might have already communicated them to the Noale-based team.
At least, this is the information revealed by analyst Ricard Jové on the podcast Dura la Vita: ‘I have to say, and I know it’s quite certain, that Sunday afternoon Maverick Viñales informed Aprilia not to count on him’.
This is not, of course, an official confirmation, but Jové is a credible figure in the paddock. If Viñales’ future does not lie with Aprilia, then where could it be?
There are rumours about the rider having a tempting offer from Honda on the table – which, although it does not immediately allow him to compete for the same results as with Aprilia, is advantageous from a financial perspective.
Furthermore, it would involve him in a growth project with the Japanese manufacturer, presenting a different challenge but somewhat similar to what he faced with Noale since he joined in 2021.
If Viñales’ departure is confirmed, Aprilia will have to look to the market to find Jorge Martín’s teammate. There would be several options, as many riders are out of contract and seeking alternatives – for example, Joan Mir, who is currently with Repsol Honda; or Miguel Oliveira, in Aprilia’s satellite team, Trackhouse Racing.