Aprilia analysis of Vinales Portugal crash revealed "human problem"
Maverick Vinales says Aprilia’s analysis of the gearbox issue which led to him crashing out of the MotoGP Portuguese Grand Prix found it was caused by a “human problem”.
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
The Spaniard scored a first win for Aprilia since joining the marque in 2021 in the sprint race three weeks ago in Portugal and was a factor in the fight for victory in the grand prix.
But a worsening gearbox issue, while he was running in second, led to him slowing down onto the final lap, before causing him to crash out seconds later at Turn 1.
Vinales says Aprilia’s analysis of the issue determined that it was caused by a human error, though would not elaborate further than that and says it won’t happen again.
“Of course, I talk with the team. Of course, I wanted to know what happened. Of course, I’m involved in everything I can improve for the team,” he said on Thursday ahead of the Americas Grand Prix.
“And basically, what is very important is that, more than it being a technical problem, it was a human problem.
“So, that’s very important. I cannot say more about it. That’s a good sign because we need to believe that our bike’s reliability is good.
“Of course, it’s something we always have in mind as something to improve, but we know we have a good package and we need to carry on the momentum.
Maverick Vinales, Aprilia Racing Team
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
“It’s more about something that never happens. It should never happen. But the important point is that it’s not mechanical. We are happy it’s not a technical problem. It should not happen again.”
While typically fast at the Algarve International Circuit on the RS-GP, Vinales believes he can carry that pace into the Circuit of the Americas, which he feels shares the same characteristics.
“I think in every track we can be fast,” he noted.
“I think we must think like that. It’s true that to be at the level of Portimao, it’s complicated to be [like this] every weekend.
“But we will try. I don’t see any difference between Portimao and Austin: up and down [hill], fast corners, tight corners.
“It [the Aprilia] should work and I am very motivated to keep working and keep pushing.”
Be part of Motorsport community
Join the conversationShare Or Save This Story
Ducati: COTA MotoGP podium “essential step” for Bastianini
Martin: Bagnaia still MotoGP title favourite in 2024 but fight is wide open
The hockey expansion rule that could benefit Andretti's F1 bid
Vinales clutch issue had Aprilia “worried” ahead of Americas MotoGP fightback
How Vinales finally banished his Yamaha MotoGP demons
Why Aprilia is a good bet for Vinales - but won't fix his big problem
Aprilia CEO Rivola "can't wait" to be beaten by MotoGP satellite team Trackhouse
The ‘real’ race debate sparked by Vinales’ historic MotoGP sprint win
Why the British GP was a triumph for MotoGP
Porsche lodges appeal over da Costa's Misano Formula E disqualification
Ricky Taylor looking for redemption at Long Beach
How Senna’s early Pacific GP exit raised his Benetton suspicions
What could have been: When Villeneuve’s shock return thwarted an F1 rookie
Can anyone stop "changed" Bagnaia as Ducati tightens its grip on MotoGP?
The signs that MotoGP's Japanese powerhouses are changing
The other Suzuki signing that could transform Honda's MotoGP form
How the MotoGP paddock has offered refuge to Suzuki's former team
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments