Yamaha suspends Maverick Viñales from MotoGP Austrian GP

The shock decision “follows an in-depth analysis of telemetry and data”, with Yamaha concluding “the rider’s actions could have potentially caused significant damage to the engine of his YZR-M1 bike which could have caused serious risks to the rider himself and possibly posed a danger to all other riders in the MotoGP race”.

Viñales will not be replaced for the weekend, and “decisions regarding the future races will be taken after a more detailed analysis of the situation and further discussions between Yamaha and the rider”. A cold statement, if ever there was one.

The news follows a difficult season for Viñales, who scored a win at the championship-opening round in Qatar but has since secured just one podium. Additionally, he recently terminated his contract with Yamaha for beyond the 2021 season.