After a sensational performance during yesterday's MotoGP Dutch GP in Assen, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP's Maverick Vinales has finally confirmed that he'll be parting ways with the Yamaha factory squad at the end of the 2021 season. Vinales finished second in yesterday's race behind his teammate, Fabio Quartararo.

The official announcement was issued by the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP squad earlier today, which is quite a shocker considering that Vinales himself stated that the rumours of him moving to Aprilia next season were simply 'not true'. With this confirmation, we will most likely see the Spaniard piloting the full-factory Aprilia RS-GP in 2022 (well, either him or Andrea Dovizioso, but most likely Vinales).

Lin Jarvis, Managing Director of Yamaha Motor Racing, stated, "It is with sadness that we will say farewell to Maverick at the end of the year. We are in the middle of our fifth season together and over the years we have achieved many highs but also had to manage many lows. After the German GP, which was the most difficult weekend of our partnership, we had important discussions in Assen and came to the conclusion that it would be in the interest of both parties to go our separate ways in the future. Yamaha will put in their maximum effort – as we always have done – to give full support to Maverick and finish this season in the very best way possible."

According to Vinales, "This partnership has been very significant to me over the last five years, and it proved a difficult decision to part ways. In these seasons together, we experienced both great achievements and tough times. However, the underlying feeling is of mutual respect and appreciation. I am fully committed and will strive to achieve the best results for the rest of the season."