Heartbreaking reason behind MotoGP star's break

Spanish MotoGP rider Maverick Vinales has withdrawn from the Grand Prix of the Americas in the wake of his cousin's tragic mid-race death.

Vinales won't be on the starting grid for the 15th round of the MotoGP world championship, set to be held this weekend, following his 15-year-old cousin's death during the supersport 300 world championship last weekend.

Dean Berta Vinales died after being involved in a four-person crash in the Spanish city of Jerez, losing his battle at the circuit's medical centre after suffering severe head and thoracic injuries.

READ MORE: Grand final referee weighs in on feud between coaches

READ MORE: Messi scores superb first goal for PSG in Champions League

READ MORE: Joe Root still not committed to England's Ashes team

"Maverick Vinales will not be on the starting grid for the GP of the Americas scheduled this weekend on the circuit in Austin, Texas," an Aprilia Racing Team Gresini statement reads.

"Less than a week has passed since the accident involving Dean Berta Vinales, 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."

https://twitter.com/MotoGP/status/1441753546467287040

Maverick Vinales was involved in his own frightening racing accident during the 2020 MotoGP world championship, but he was fortunate to survive.

The nine-time MotoGP race winner jumped off his bike at 210 kilometres per hour after his brakes failed nearing a turn during the Styrian Grand Prix.

He performed the terrifying move almost perfectly and escaped unharmed, as his bike smashed into an air-fence and burst into flames with 12 laps remaining.

For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!