Maverick Vinales is finally back on the MotoGP grid at Motegi this weekend after missing five races with a shoulder injury. But behind the comeback, he dropped a bombshell: “I don't understand what KTM wants from me.”
The Spaniard admitted he thought he wouldn't race again in the 2026 season. An infraspinatus tendon injury in his right shoulder forced him through multiple treatments, including platelet-rich plasma injections that only improved his condition by about 10% each month. The breaking point came at the German GP when he went home due to limited arm movement.
Vinales' relationship with KTM has been strained. Initially, the Austrian manufacturer promised him a factory seat for 2027. However, inconsistency caused by his physical problems made KTM reverse course and drop him from both the factory and satellite teams. What hurt most was that the decision was only officially communicated on June 30, by which time all seats for next year were gone.
Since then, Vinales hasn't raced in a grand prix. He expressed deep disappointment with KTM, especially with Guenther Steiner, the public face of the investor group that took over Tech 3 last year. “I've tried many times to find logic in everything that's happened over the past four months, but I can't find it anywhere,” he told Motorsport.com.
The surprise came 10 days ago when Steiner called him to take part in a test at the Red Bull Ring after the Austrian GP. Vinales attended, and the results were positive. He was even given the chance to try the 2027 bike. “I was very surprised when they called me and even more so that they let me try next year's bike,” he added.
Vinales' return at Motegi is a crucial moment. He must prove that his physical condition has recovered and that he can still be competitive. However, the shadow of contract uncertainty for next season still looms. Is this the start of his comeback or the end of his journey with KTM? One thing is clear: Vinales no longer fully trusts KTM's management.
For MotoGP fans, Vinales has always been a fascinating figure. His aggressive racing style and natural speed are unquestionable. But this time, he's not just fighting rivals on track—he's also battling uncertainty within his own team.
Read Also
Maverick Vinales kembali ke MotoGP di Motegi setelah cedera bahu, namun mengaku tidak mengerti sikap KTM yang dinilainya tidak konsisten.
Fabio di Giannantonio sebut sirkuit kandang Ducati tak ada lagi setelah kekalahan di Austria. Motegi jadi ujian dengan aspal baru dan ancaman hujan.
Ai Ogura and Carlos Ezpeleta visited the Japan Sports Agency in Tokyo ahead of the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix to discuss MotoGP's future and the development of motorsport in Japan.
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!