Aprilia’s new recruit Maverick Viñales will not be on the starting grid for the GP of the Americas at Austin, Texas, this weekend.

With the sudden passing of his 15-year-old cousin at Jerez last week, during Saturday's ill-fated WorldSSP300 race, Viñales has chosen to remain with his family.

A statement from Aprilia reads
 
“Less than a week has passed since the accident involving Dean Berta Viñales, Maverick’s young cousin, which is not enough time to regain the serenity needed to race. Maverick, with the full and unconditional support of Aprilia Racing, has therefore decided to take a break on his journey of getting to know the bike and team from Noale.
 
“The entire Aprilia Racing family supports this decision and stands with Maverick and his loved ones. There will be other times and other rounds to resume the promising journey begun together. A journey that must be entirely respectful of the people involved and their feelings.”

The 26-year-old responded on his social media feed, expressing his gratitude to the support of his new team.

“Thanks Aprilia for understanding my situation and your kindness to accept it,” he wrote. “I waned to race for my lil cousin but right now emotions are too deeply inside and makes me very difficult to stay away and say focus. Thank you.”