Jakarta - Aprilia Racing racer Maverick Vinales revealed that a contact incident (crash) with Bagnaia at the French MotoGP last weekend occurred due to lack of calm on the track.
Vinales had to end up in the gravel area after coming into contact with Bagnaia. He maneuvered against the Ducati racer, but the timing was not right.
At that time, Vinales started the race well from the second row, showing speed and agility in driving, supported by the good performance of his RS-GP.
"I'm angry, not because of what happened, but more because of the missed opportunity. I feel (my position) is very strong and I believe I can compete to be a champion. Bagnaia and I are two professional riders. It was an unlucky contact and the adrenaline at the time heated up the atmosphere, but one thing is certain that we racers – we have to calm down and set an example for young people,” said Vinales in an official statement received on Tuesday.
“The regrets are still there, but there is no controversy. It has happened and we are still looking forward, as early as possible, at Mugello. At Le Mans, we showed again that we are very fast and have improved a lot this weekend."
Things were better for his teammate, Aleix Espargaro, who had to start the race from 11th position. He had climbed to sixth position, but dropped 10 positions again during the race, being involved in contact with several other riders on the first track.
From there, he demonstrated a return to position and finished the race in fifth position, just behind the rest of the riders who were battling for the podium.
“At the end of the race I could have passed Augusto, but it would be too much of a risk to ruin the race as well. The good thing is that the RS-GP continues to be faster at every track and this is the most important thing. Now, we will rest and prepare for the next race," said Espargaro.
The next event for Aprilia riders and fans is on May 27 at the Misano Circuit for the Aprilia All Stars. This is Aprilia's grand celebration featuring the riders and bikes who have made motorcycle history.
The RS-GP machine will return to the track with Espargaro, Vinales, Oliviera, Fernandez and Savadori (who finished in a superb 12th place yesterday with satellite team RNF).
Along with them were Max Biaggi, Aprilia World Champion and Loris Capirossi, and many of Aprilia's racers and partners from the world of sport and entertainment.
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