Moto3: Vinales U-turn, set to re-join Blusens

Spanish prospect Maverick Vinales has apparent change of heart after walking out on Avintia Blusens team at Sepang, poised to compete at Phillip Island
Maverick Vinales, Aragon Moto3 2012
Maverick Vinales, Aragon Moto3 2012
© Gold and Goose

Maverick Vinales looks poised to re-join the Avintia Blusens team for this weekend's Moto3 race in Australia after splitting from the outfit on Friday.

The young Spaniard returned to Europe following the fall-out prior to the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang, but now plans to return to the team at Phillip Island.

Vinales, who had labelled the team a 'second division' outfit before leaving Malaysia, has released the following statement:

"Firstly I would like to publically give my sincerely apologies to those that were harmed or affected by my behaviour in Sepang. I'm here to come forward, ask for forgiveness and take responsibility for my mistakes. I have returned to continue fighting with my Blusens Avintia team for the runner-up spot in the championship. There are many people who deserve it. Sponsors, technicians and the fans.

"My hasty departure from the Malaysian GP was certainly not good. But with the tension generated by my position in the team, I fell into a state of anger and frustration that was certainly not an ideal state of mind to ride a bike in - especially ride it at the limit.

"I made a mistake, because although I was not mentally prepared to ride the bike, I should not have left the Sepang circuit, or make such statements. And so, I apologize for the harm that has been accidentally caused, to all the fans, to the members of my Blusens Avintia team, to FTR, Honda, the championship promoters, and especially the sponsors of team (Blusens, Avintia, Repsol, Pacha and other partner companies) and personal sponsors (Alpinestars, Airoh, Wild Wolf, J. Costa etc.) that have both supported us, and without which I would not have achieved the successes to date.

"I return with the aim to finish the season and regain second place in the overall standings, and for that, I will focus solely on sporting issues and work with my technicians to find the best set-up of the bike.

"Finally, I want to express my strong desire to amicably resolve all the problems with the team, and to be able to concentrate on riding, which is what I really like."

Vinales had recently signed a new contract with Avintia lasting until the end of 2014. However it has been suggested that the teenager may not have been aware of all of the offers available for next year.

The Avintia team manager is/was also Vinales' personal manager.

Vinales is currently third in the Moto3 World Championship after sitting out the Sepang round, eight points behind Luis Salom.

Vinales has won more Moto3 races (five) than any other rider this year.

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