Maverick Vinales is back in the MotoGP paddock at Motegi on Thursday after being out since July with a left shoulder injury. The Tech3 rider insists he is not done yet and is ready to chase opportunities in the remaining races.
The injury, which has forced him to miss 15 grands prix since last year, has improved by 10-15 percent. "Every month is a little improvement," he said. Although not fully fit, Vinales feels strong enough to ride.
At the Pirelli test in Red Bull Ring, Vinales tried an adapted 1000cc machine and KTM's 2027 850cc prototype. He was impressed by the 850cc, calling it "so easy to ride," but stressed that the current 1000cc MotoGP bike is still a beast and requires deeper understanding.
With next year's Tech3 seats going to Luca Marini and Senna Agius, Vinales is officially without a place on the 2027 grid. He joins Jack Miller, Brad Binder, Franco Morbidelli, and Alex Rins in leaving MotoGP at the end of the season. "There is no more space. Unfortunately, with the move of KTM, they left me out and it was too late," he explained.
Nevertheless, Vinales is not closing the door. "Maybe a door can open. My first objective is to recover fully and then we'll see. I am not ready to give up," he stated. He is also open to a test or reserve role if an opportunity arises.
Vinales admitted he doubted he would return this season. "In my head, I will not come back anymore," he confessed. But after being called for the test, he was happy to see where he stands. Now he is determined to make the most of the remaining season and score good results.
Vinales's return at Motegi is a crucial moment for him to gauge himself. With his shoulder getting stronger, he hopes to be competitive and prove he still belongs at the top level.
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