Aprilia’s Maverick Vinales Claims Victory at Grand Prix of the Americas
Aprilia’s Maverick Vinales emerged victorious at the Grand Prix of the Americas on Sunday, showcasing a stunning comeback after a poor start that saw him drop outside the top 10 on the opening lap. Vinales, who started from pole position and won the sprint race, became the first rider to win a Sunday race with three different manufacturers, adding Aprilia to his previous wins with Suzuki and Yamaha.
The race was filled with excitement and lead changes, with Red Bull GasGas Tech3’s rookie Pedro Acosta impressing by taking the lead on two occasions before finishing second. Ducati’s Enea Bastianini secured the third spot on the podium.
Championship leader Jorge Martin finished fourth, allowing Bastianini to close the gap in the standings to just 21 points. Reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia settled for fifth place.
Vinales showcased his skill and determination by carving his way through the pack to claim victory, denying Ducati a 12th consecutive race win in MotoGP. The Spaniard celebrated his win by donning a black cape to complement the Batman logo on his helmet, earning him the nickname ‘BatMav’.
The race saw intense battles and risky overtakes, with Martin and Acosta fighting for the lead before Vinales made his move and held on until the finish line. Despite a late charge from Bastianini, Martin was unable to secure a podium finish.
With the win, Vinales now sits third in the championship standings with 56 points, behind Martin with 80 points and Bastianini with 59. Acosta is just two points behind Vinales, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.