Paris (AFP)

The Spaniard Maverick Vinales will not participate in the Austrian Motorcycle Grand Prix, on the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg from Friday to Sunday, suspended by his Yamaha team who suspect him of intentionally damaging his motorcycle last week.

In a statement released on Thursday, Yamaha explains "the rider's suspension by improper and unexplained use of his motorcycle during the Styrian Grand Prix last weekend".

After studying "in depth" the data and telemetry of Vinales, the Japanese team concluded that "the actions of the rider could have caused significant damage to the engine of his motorcycle, which could have posed serious risks to the rider. - even and possibly represent a danger to all other pilots. "

The 26-year-old Spaniard will not be replaced in Austria and "decisions regarding the next races will be taken after a more detailed analysis of the situation and further discussions between Yamaha and the rider".

This suspension comes as Vinales and his current team announced at the end of June that they will terminate their contract a year earlier than expected, at the end of 2021, at the end of a checkered collaboration.

The Spaniard, expected to join Aprilia in 2022, reported a litany of technical issues during the Styrian GP, ​​already on the Red Bull Ring, last Sunday.

Set off to take last place for the second time in three races, he ended up returning to the garage with one lap from the end.

© 2021 AFP