Maverick Vinales is still uncertain to race in the Austrian MotoGP this weekend. KTM motorsport director Pit Beirer has revealed that the Tech3 rider's chances of returning to the track are only "50/50".
Vinales had to step back again due to a shoulder issue initially sustained at Sachsenring last July. The injury turned out to be more complex than expected: he was diagnosed with a small tear in the infraspinatus during the summer break. As a result, the outward rotation strength is significantly reduced, making the extreme direction changes extremely difficult.
"It's still very doubtful," Beirer said about Vinales' chances in Austria. "We move the doctor's date from week to week, because we all decided it's not up to us to determine when he is truly fit. I hope this Monday he will have another checkup, and the target is to be in Spielberg. But it's absolutely not confirmed, and my own feeling is this is still 50/50."
Beirer explained the technical details: "The outside rotation is missing a lot of power compared to the other arm. We were always wondering why change of direction is so difficult, or he's losing all the time in this moment. When he's in the corners, everything looks fine, the data looks fine, but change of direction, when you need to pull the beast over from left to right, that's what his real problem is. So he can sit and ride, but MotoGP is more than sit and ride. So I think in Spielberg, we are close, and then we'll see if it's yes or no. I really hope we have him back then."
The final decision will be made collectively. "We have his Italian doctor who made the surgery, both physios and us, and then we talk as a group if it makes sense or not," Beirer added.
If Maverick Vinales is not cleared to return, test rider Pol Espargaro will continue as his replacement. Espargaro has already filled in for Vinales several times this season and will ride the RC16 for the final European round before the flyaway events.
Regardless of this situation, Vinales' future is already set to leave KTM and MotoGP at the end of the season. Tech3 has confirmed that Luca Marini from HRC will join, with rookie Senna Agius expected to complete the 2027 line-up. The decision on Vinales will determine whether he can still contribute for the remainder of the season or must end his journey earlier.
Read Also
Marc Marquez challenges Marco Bezzecchi at Misano MotoGP. He admits Bezzecchi is the favourite on medium tyres and vows to make his life difficult.
Aprilia Racing unveils special 'Perla Bianca' livery for the San Marino GP, inspired by Vespa and Gilles Villeneuve. Read the full story.
Marco Bezzecchi fastest in Misano MotoGP 2026 warm-up, ahead of Marc Marquez. Jorge Martin only P20, who will win?
Continue with Google
Discussion (0)
Join the Discussion!
Sign in easily to start commenting, replying, and interacting with other readers.
Latest Comments
No comments yet. Be the first!