VIÑALES RETURNS AT MOTEGI AFTER KTM BLOCKED AN EARLIER COMEBACK

Maverick Viñales is set to return to MotoGP at Motegi this weekend after missing the last five races with a shoulder injury. The Spaniard said he had feared his 2026 season was over, admitting he thought he “wouldn't race again” this year. His comeback comes amid strained relations with KTM: Viñales said he does not trust the Austrian manufacturer, and has even less confidence in Guenther Steiner, the public face of the investor group that took over the Tech3 team. He also said he does not understand what KTM wants from him.

Viñales had hoped to return earlier, asking KTM to let him race at the Austrian Grand Prix, but the team turned down the request. A report by Motorsport.com’s Spanish edition said KTM was concerned about the risk of a poor result at its home event. Viñales instead travelled to Spielberg to test the manufacturer’s 850cc bike on the Monday after the race. His sprint simulation there reportedly helped validate his return to action in Japan.

The injury, which dates back to a crash in Germany last year, had already forced him to miss races at COTA, Jerez and Le Mans before sidelining him again from the Sachsenring. Pol Espargaró filled in during his absence. Viñales has scored 10 points this season, with 11th at the Catalan Grand Prix his best result.

KTM had been due to retain Viñales for 2027, but his difficult start to the year and uncertainty over his shoulder led to his contract being suspended. Alex Márquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio are set to join the team instead, while Luca Marini and Senna Agius are due to race for Tech3 next season. Viñales is therefore facing an exit from MotoGP after this year, and will hope his return at Motegi gives him a chance to finish his season—and career in the championship—on a high.