MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Maverick Vinales is contemplating skipping the remaining MotoGP races after this weekend's Indonesian Grand Prix to focus on recovering from a shoulder injury sustained in August. The Red Bull KTM Tech 3 rider believes halting now is the most sensible path for long-term health.
This in-depth analysis draws from Vinales' post-Friday practice statements at Mandalika, aligned with official MotoGP insights, highlighting the injury's toll on his performance and future plans.
Injury Background and Challenging Comeback
Vinales' first major premier class injury occurred at the German Grand Prix in August, where a highside on a wet qualifying track resulted in a broken shoulder. This forced him to miss Germany and the subsequent Czechia round, with an attempted return post-summer break in Austria revealing he needed more recovery time. It was only two rounds later in Barcelona that he fully resumed racing.
However, results have been elusive since. His best finish in the three grands prix following Barcelona has been 13th, underscoring the ongoing impact of the injury. Vinales has previously stated he won't feel 100% until the 2026 season start. After placing 19th out of 20 in Friday practice at Mandalika, he's increasingly convinced that continuing risks further setbacks.
“It's outrageous; I lose more than a second in sector two of the circuit, in four corners,” Vinales lamented. He added that sudden pains and lack of strength hinder focus, despite slight mobility gains. “We thought it would improve on the bike, but we haven't improved at all—just a bit of mobility, but no strength.”

Strategic Considerations for Recovery
Vinales plans to discuss with KTM and Tech3 about pausing after Sunday's race. “I think it's more sensible to stop, build up my fitness, and then come back,” he asserted. He envisions struggles at Phillip Island in two weeks, with its high-speed direction changes, where he couldn't complete even one lap.
With four rounds left post-Indonesia—Australia, Malaysia, and a European double-header in Portugal and Spain—Vinales is open to missing all and rejoining at the November Valencia test. That session is his sole chance to evaluate the 2026 KTM before February 2026 pre-season testing. “Now I'm considering stopping and recovering as much as the shoulder pain allows. But what we're thinking is that the sooner I stop, the sooner I'll recover. We're talking about getting to Valencia for the post-season test.”
He stressed that racing was worthwhile to avoid regrets. “It was worth trying because I understand I have to stop. If I hadn't tried, the regret would have been enormous. Now I know I have to stop. I can't recover between races; there's no time to recover.”
Recovery Timeline and Long-Term Implications
Outlining the recovery timeline for his shoulder injury, Vinales detailed: “The first month with the arm in a sling, months two to four for mobility recovery—and I'm at two and a half months now. From months four to six, building some strength. After six months, you can use strength, but half a year takes me into the next season.”
This approach prioritizes long-term health, given his ongoing KTM contract for 2026. Stopping now enables optimal healing, averting additional risks that could affect next year's preparations. Moreover, it allows the team to concentrate on bike development without the pressure of Vinales' current form.
Maverick Vinales' deliberation to withdraw from the remainder of MotoGP 2025 emphasizes the critical need for shoulder injury recovery after a lackluster Mandalika comeback. Finishing 19th in Friday practice reinforces that pausing is prudent for a full 2026 return. Discussions with Tech3 and KTM will clarify if he skips until the Valencia test. Track the latest updates on SPORTRIK.
MotoGP Standings
Position | Rider/Driver | Team/Country | Points |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Marc Marquez | Ducati Lenovo Team | 512 |
2 | Alex Marquez | BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP | 330 |
3 | Francesco Bagnaia | Ducati Lenovo Team | 237 |
4 | Marco Bezzecchi | Aprilia Racing | 229 |
5 | Pedro Acosta | Red Bull KTM Factory Racing | 188 |
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