LESS SHOULDER PAIN BOOSTS VIÑALES’ MALAYSIAN PACE, BUT SPRINT EFFORT IS UNCERTAIN

Maverick Viñales said reduced pain in his injured shoulder was behind his improved performance during Friday practice at the Malaysian MotoGP Grand Prix. The Tech3 KTM rider has struggled since his injury at the 2025 German Grand Prix, missing several races and finding it difficult to regain form. His latest comeback began in Japan. “When I don’t have pain, I gain,” he said.

Viñales finished Friday’s Practice inside the top 10, securing direct entry to Q2 alongside KTM riders Enea Bastianini and Pedro Acosta. It was his strongest day on track since returning at Motegi, but he may limit his effort in Saturday’s Sprint to protect himself for Sunday’s main race. “I’ll try to hold out all weekend, but if in the Sprint race I see that [my shoulder] starts to hurt more, then I’ll save myself for the main race,” he said.

The shoulder still hurts when he accelerates, though less than it did at Phillip Island. Viñales said Sepang and the treatment he has followed since last weekend have helped ease the pain and restore strength. “It’s relieving my pain, and when it hurts less, I have more power,” he said. “I still feel pain, but less.” He hopes to reach the final rounds in Portimão and Valencia without pain, adding that he can lift 5kg when it hurts but 12kg when it does not. The difference is especially noticeable in the extreme positions required on the bike, he explained, and he noticed that his riding position on the left side was different on Friday.

Viñales said the KTM needs to be pushed to its limit to perform. “Unfortunately, this bike only works when you push it to the limit,” he said, while stressing that his immediate priority is to maintain Friday’s level of comfort. “I’ll be happy if I keep the pain as I felt today. If this continues, then we can aspire to something more in future circuits.”