VINALES TARGETS MOTOGP RETURN AS SHOULDER RECOVERS

Maverick Viñales returned to the MotoGP paddock at Motegi after being sidelined since July, with his future on the grid uncertain and his recovery still in progress. The Tech3 rider said his injured left shoulder had gained around 10–15% strength since the Sachsenring, where it became badly fatigued, but stressed that it was not healed. “Every month is a little improvement,” he said.

A change in treatment has helped. Viñales has been receiving platelet-rich plasma therapy and said strength tests showed a notable improvement over a short period. He does not expect the shoulder to return to its previous condition, but believes it can become strong enough to ride. He also hopes the next-generation 850cc bikes will be less physically demanding than today’s 1000cc machines.

At a recent KTM test at the Red Bull Ring, Viñales rode an adapted current bike as well as the manufacturer’s 2027 850cc prototype. He described the new machine as “so easy to ride” and compared its feel to “a Moto2 with a good engine.” He completed 11 consecutive laps without difficulty. The current MotoGP bike, by contrast, remains “a beast,” though he cautioned that his test impressions were affected by different tyres and the absence of the rear ride-height device.

Viñales admitted that during his two-month absence he had wondered whether he would race again this season. He said he had thought, “I will not come back,” and doubted KTM would call him back. The Red Bull Ring test helped him assess his condition and gave him a reason to return. He described the trip to Japan as challenging, but also useful preparation, with several races still ahead and a chance to see whether he can recover enough to produce good results.

His longer-term prospects are less clear. With Luca Marini and Senna Agius set to take Tech3’s 2027 seats, Viñales is without a confirmed place on next year’s grid. He said KTM’s move left him out and that it was too late to find another opportunity, but insisted he still has goals in MotoGP. “I’m not done yet here,” he said. “Maybe a door can open.”

Asked about a possible test or reserve position, Viñales said he would find a way forward and take an opportunity if one arose. His immediate priority, however, is to regain full fitness: “My first objective is to recover, to be fully in shape that I can push at the maximum, and then we’ll see.” He added that he was “not ready to give up” and would keep trying.