Maverick Vinales is finally back on a MotoGP bike. After a long absence since Sachsenring, the Spanish rider will ride the KTM in the Pirelli test session at the Red Bull Ring, Austria, on Friday afternoon local time. The surprise news was first reported by Motorsport.com's Spanish edition and has been confirmed by KTM to FormulaPassion.
Vinales' presence at the Red Bull Ring is not to test the 2027 850cc prototype or new Pirelli tyres. The goal is purely to regain confidence with a MotoGP machine and assess the condition of his left shoulder, which is still recovering. KTM hopes Vinales can compete in the remaining seven rounds of the season, starting with the Japanese GP at Motegi in two weeks.
Since his last appearance at Sachsenring, Vinales has missed a series of races: Silverstone, Aragon, Misano, and the Red Bull Ring. The Tech3 team chose test rider Pol Espargaro as his replacement. Now, Vinales has been given the opportunity to prove he is ready to return to full competition.
A Crucial Moment for Vinales and KTM
For Vinales, this session is an important first step. The shoulder injury has not only affected him physically but also mentally. Returning to the bike at a challenging circuit like the Red Bull Ring will be an indicator of how far his recovery has come. If he feels comfortable, Motegi could be the turning point of his interrupted season.
On the other hand, KTM needs to ensure the team's performance in the remaining races. Vinales' presence will add strength in the constructors' championship battle. With seven races left, every point counts. KTM does not want to lose momentum and hopes Vinales can contribute soon.
MotoGP fans are certainly looking forward to Vinales' return. His charismatic personality and aggressive riding style are always anticipated. If he returns at Motegi, the competition on track will be even more exciting. We await further news from the test in Austria.
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