Maverick Vinales is finally back on the MotoGP grid after nearly three months on the sidelines due to a shoulder injury. The Spanish rider will race at Motegi this weekend, but he admitted he thought he would not race again this season. In an interview with Autosport, Vinales expressed his confusion over KTM's management, which he deems inconsistent.
Vinales has been out since the German GP because of an issue with the infraspinatus tendon in his right shoulder. He has undergone various treatments, including platelet-rich plasma injections, which he says only improve his condition by about 10% each month. Ultimately, he chose to go home early from Sachsenring and began to doubt his MotoGP future.
Vinales's relationship with KTM has indeed soured. Last winter, KTM executives in Mattighofen promised him a factory team seat for 2027. However, inconsistent performances due to injury caused KTM to reverse course and drop him from their plans, even from the satellite team. Most painfully, KTM only officially informed him on June 30, when no seats were left for next season.
"I thought I wasn't going to race again this year. I was very surprised when they called me to do the test, and even more so that they let me try next year's bike. The truth is, I don't understand KTM. I just don't understand what they want from me," Vinales said.
There was also tension with Guenther Steiner, the public face of the investor group that took over the Tech 3 team. However, ten days ago Steiner called Vinales to ask him to participate in the test at the Red Bull Ring after the Austrian GP. The test results were positive, earning Vinales a return at Motegi.
Vinales admitted he has tried to find logic in everything that has happened over the past four months but cannot. Nevertheless, he remains professional and ready to give his best for the rest of the season. Vinales's return to the track is also a crucial moment for KTM, who are struggling to regain performance in MotoGP.
The impact of KTM's decision could affect the rider market. If Vinales performs impressively at Motegi, it's possible other teams will show interest. Conversely, if his injury hampers his performance, his MotoGP position could become even more precarious. Clearly, the Vinales-KTM saga is one of the most intriguing dramas in the paddock this season.
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Maverick Vinales kembali ke MotoGP di Motegi setelah cedera bahu, bicara peluang masa depan dan kesan motor 850cc KTM. Simak selengkapnya.
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