Maverick Vinales’ time as an official Yamaha MotoGP rider officially came to an end on August 20, 2021, following his suspension by the team due to his infamous overheating incident at the Red Bull Ring. However, the turning point came much earlier. If one were to pinpoint a specific date, January 29, 2020 stands out as the day Yamaha hired Fabio Quartararo to replace Valentino Rossi in 2021.
Quartararo’s remarkable rise destroyed Vinales. As the 2021 season progressed, Vinales’ discontent became evident as he finished second in Assen, behind his dominant teammate. One race later, with a significant 77-point difference to Quartararo, he was sidelined.
Quartararo, on the other hand, clinched the championship title that year, skillfully maneuvering a challenging Yamaha M1 that proved difficult for anyone else. Meanwhile, Vinales embarked on his journey with Aprilia, where he can argue he had the last laugh, or at least the most recent one.
Adapting to the foreign but increasingly powerful RS-GP propelled Vinales to accumulate over three times the points of Quartararo’s struggling Yamaha M1 this season. Yamaha can only dream of reaching the heights Vinales reached, especially with his dominant performance at the Circuit of the Americas.
However, Vinales’ success on the RS-GP inadvertently created a headache for Aprilia on the other side of the box. It also triggered a potential reenactment of the Quartararo scenario, offering Vinales the chance to prove himself against a talented rookie who joined his team.
However, rumors suggest that Vinales may not take advantage of this opportunity. Jorge Martin, the current leader in the MotoGP title race, recently joined Aprilia after being passed over by Ducati for a factory seat. Martin’s arrival could potentially overshadow Vinales, and it seems that Aprilia failed to inform him about this significant signing.
During a press session at Monday’s rain-cancelled test in Mugello, Vinales expressed curiosity about Aprilia’s plans for their riders, unaware that Martin’s contract was being finalized. When asked about Martin as a possible teammate, Vinales responded uncertainly. Hours later, Martin was revealed, and it became clear that Aprilia envisioned Martin and Vinales as their ideal lineup.
Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola emphasized that if Vinales stays, he will be the team’s “Capitano,” recognizing his contributions to the team’s progress and his unique riding style. Rivola also explained that the more experienced rider usually takes the lead within a team, and Vinales earned that distinction through his partnership with Aprilia.
However, this distinction is purely semantic. If Martin outperforms Vinales in the first test, any claims of seniority will disappear. Rivola’s public kindness towards Vinales may also stem from Aprilia’s failure to inform him about Martin’s significant signing.
Aprilia remains optimistic about Vinales’ future with the team. Romano Albesiano, Aprilia’s technical chief, believes they have found the right setup parameters to maintain Vinales’ performance. Although there is still room for improvement, Vinales has shown positive progress in recent races.
Vinales had two challenging weekends in 2024, but overall, his performances were impressive. His double victory in Austin showcased his talent, and he consistently outperformed his teammate, Aleix Espargaro. Even in tough races like Mugello, Vinales showed his potential by securing a front row starting position.
It is uncertain if Martin will overshadow Vinales. The design of the RS-GP has historically suited Espargaro’s riding style, while Vinales had to adjust his aggressive approach to fit Aprilia’s requirements. Martin may face a similar adaptation process, given his characteristic riding style.
However, Aprilia is not concerned about Martin’s compatibility with the RS-GP. Albesiano dismissed any doubts with a laugh, confident that Martin’s talent will facilitate a quick adaptation.
Vinales’ main challenge lies in maintaining consistency. In 2024, he had five strong weekends, but also two disappointing ones. This inconsistency sets him apart from riders like Martin, Pecco Bagnaia, Marc Marquez, and Pedro Acosta, who consistently perform at a high level.
Unfortunately, the possibility of a showdown between Vinales and Martin may remain theoretical. Vinales’ former Moto3 team manager, Ricard Jove, revealed that Vinales has already informed Aprilia of his departure. If true, this news would make Vinales’ absence a significant loss for Aprilia and deprive fans of an intriguing rivalry.
Perhaps another change, potentially to a fourth manufacturer in MotoGP as rumors suggest, could provide a more satisfying narrative for Vinales, the ultimate nomad of the series.
© 2024
The football star Lionel Messi signs a contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and becomes the newest reinforcement of the French club. After a long and successful spell at Barcelona, Messi decided to pursue new challenges in his career and chose PSG as his next destination.
Messi’s signing by PSG is considered one of the biggest transfers in football history. The Argentine player, who won numerous titles and individual awards during his time at Barcelona, will now have the opportunity to showcase his talent in a new environment.
With Messi’s arrival, PSG further strengthens its squad and becomes one of the main favorites to win titles in the upcoming season. The French club already has other great names in world football, such as Neymar and Mbappé, and the addition of Messi only increases the quality and firepower of the team.
Messi’s transfer to PSG also marks the end of an era at Barcelona. The Argentine player spent over 20 years at the Catalan club, where he became the all-time leading scorer and won numerous titles, including four UEFA Champions Leagues. His departure will leave a big gap in the Spanish team, which will have to restructure and find new solutions to make up for the absence of their biggest idol.
Messi’s arrival at PSG also generates great expectations among fans and football enthusiasts around the world. Seeing the Argentine star playing alongside Neymar and Mbappé promises to be a spectacle in itself, with a front trio capable of unbalancing any opposing defense.
It is still unknown exactly what the financial impact of Messi’s signing by PSG will be, but it is certain that the French club invested a significant amount to bring the player. The expectation is that the arrival of the Argentine will generate an increase in the club’s revenue, both in terms of sponsorships and shirt sales, as well as in terms of visibility and international prestige.
In summary, Lionel Messi’s signing by Paris Saint-Germain is a milestone in the history of football and promises to bring great excitement to fans and supporters of the sport. The Argentine, considered one of the best players of all time, will have the opportunity to shine in a new challenge and leave his mark on French football. Now we just have to wait for the start of the season to see what Messi will be capable of doing with the PSG shirt.
