Maverick Vinales Shocks with Aprilia Exit for Tech3 KTM in 2025: Follows Instinct and Seeks New Triumphs After Austin Victory

Maverick Vinales Discloses Decision to Leave Aprilia was Influenced by a Decline in Performance and Gut Feeling, Especially After the Austin Race | Confirms He Had Already Decided Before News About Martin

Maverick Vinales has shared that a significant fall in performance post-Austin race and his own intuition were key factors in his choice to switch from Aprilia to Tech3 KTM by 2025.

In a shock move that caught many off guard in the 2025 MotoGP rider marketplace, Maverick Vinales decided to leave his victorious team at Aprilia to sign with Tech3 KTM.

The Spanish rider, after becoming the first MotoGP competitor to secure victories on three distinct motorcycle brands following his win at COTA with Aprilia this year, was originally expected to continue racing with the recent addition, Jorge Martin, to the team.

Instead, the 29-year-old opted for a path in orange, aiming to increase his wins with Suzuki, Yamaha, and Aprilia.

"Primarily, my decision is guided by intuition," Vinales explained, discussing his decision to switch teams in 2025 during Thursday's event in Assen.

"I have a glimpse of what the future holds, particularly the motorcycle to choose, and I believed that [KTM] was the right decision.

"Clearly, recognizing the level of success I could reach, as demonstrated in Austin, and the inability to replicate that in additional races played a significant role. This indeed had a considerable influence on my decision."

"I placed all my bets on performance and on the art of riding, and I believe that choosing [KTM] was the best decision I could make, both for the project and in a competitive sense."

Vinales presently holds the sixth position in the global championship standings, trailing directly behind the leading KTM, piloted by current Tech3 competitor Pedro Acosta, while the first four spots are occupied by Ducati riders.

Vinales: 'I was quite taken aback post-Austin'

Vinales shared that the thought of leaving Aprilia had been on his mind 'since Jerez', which followed his flawless dual victory in Austin.

The Spanish rider has secured finishes of 9th, 5th, 12th, and 8th in the Grand Prix races that took place after the Circuit of the

"To be candid, my decision had been on my mind since Jerez. The realization that I didn't truly want to proceed came to me, as I had previously expressed post-Austin, feeling somewhat taken aback by my capabilities, yet acknowledging that only one race out of 20 wasn't appealing to me."

"I'm inclined to engage in it significantly more as I believe I'm capable."

"In fact, I spent quite some time pondering over this because, clearly, the [rider] market progresses rapidly. My intention was to approach this with more serenity, reach the summer period, and then make a decision without any rush.

"However, noting that Aprilia quickly secured Jorge, clearly forming a potentially strong duo with Jorge and Maverick, I had already reached my decision before Mugello."

"Definitely delighted for the squad to have Martin and Marco [Bezzecchi] onboard. Wishing them all the best, indeed."

Vinales chose not to elaborate on his reasons for believing KTM holds a more promising outlook than Aprilia, where he has been since parting ways with Yamaha in mid-2021.

"Determining who is performing better or worse is challenging, and moreover, it's inappropriate for me to make such judgments… I'm not in a position to evaluate anyone," he stated.

"However, I strive to comprehend what will be most beneficial for me, and I perceive that quite clearly."

"It's challenging to express anything differently since my choice is determined by attempting to discern which, among the competitors, will emerge as the leading motorcycle."

"I have this sensation, which is why, that's the justification."

Vinales is set to team up with Enea Bastianini at Tech3, following Bastianini's move from a factory ride to a satellite team, after being replaced by Marc Marquez at Ducati.

The upcoming racers for Tech3 will receive the same treatment as KTM's main team riders, Brad Binder and Pedro Acosta.

"Vinales mentioned, 'A statement I came across in the interview with [Pit Beirer] was that the [KTM team] leadership would go to whoever is ahead. The race itself will decide. He's correct, there's nothing more to add!'"

Explore Further

Recent Updates

Recent Updates

Site Navigation

CrashNet

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

It is strictly prohibited to duplicate or partially copy any written content, images, or illustrations in any manner.