Maverick Vinales will finally return to the MotoGP grid at the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend after being absent since the summer break. The Tech3 KTM rider has been battling a pre-existing shoulder injury all season.
The injury was found to have an undiagnosed tear in the shoulder muscle during the summer break, forcing Vinales to miss the British, Aragon, San Marino, and Austrian Grands Prix. Although no definitive timeline had been given for his recovery, Tech3 has now confirmed that the Spanish rider will return at Motegi.
“I’m really happy to finally say that I’m coming back to racing,” Vinales said. “The last few months have been a long process, and I’ve worked hard every day to get to this point. I’m not at 100% yet, but I’m on the right path and I feel ready to take this next step. Motegi will be about building things up step by step, understanding where I am physically and getting my feeling back on the bike. I want to especially thank everyone at the Red Bull APC and my doctors for all their work and support throughout my recovery. I can’t wait to be back on the bike and racing again.”
Vinales’ return, for the time being at least, effectively lays to rest suggestions that KTM was looking for ways to bench the Spaniard permanently for the rest of the campaign. Those reports came after a German Grand Prix in which Vinales and KTM’s relationship hit a new low, amid a fallout over his contract for 2027. Vinales has found himself without a ride for next season, with his future plans yet to be announced.
Tech3 team manager Nicolas Goyon welcomed Vinales’ return. “We are very happy to confirm that Maverick will be back with us in Japan,” Goyon said. “Since the beginning of this process, our priority has been to support his recovery and make sure that he returned when he was ready, rather than rushing the process. It has been a longer road than we initially expected, but Maverick has worked extremely hard throughout his rehabilitation, and it is great to now see him ready to return to the grid. We know that coming back after such a long period away will take some time, so we will support Maverick throughout the weekend and allow him to rebuild his rhythm step by step. At the same time, it is fantastic for the whole team to have our full rider line-up back together, and we are looking forward to getting back to work with Maverick in Motegi.”
Vinales’ return provides a boost for the Tech3 KTM team, which has been without him. Although not yet at 100%, his presence at Motegi will be an important step in rebuilding his performance. Vinales is known as a fast rider, with 10 MotoGP wins, and his abilities could be a valuable asset to the team.
The Japanese Grand Prix will be a test for Vinales, not only physically but also mentally. After a long absence, he must readjust to the speed of competition. However, with the team’s support and his determination, Vinales is ready to face this challenge. Fans at Motegi will witness the return of one of the most talented riders on the grid.
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