MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Maverick Vinales of Tech3 KTM has confirmed an improvement in his physical condition after undergoing shoulder surgery, although his return timeline in the 2026 MotoGP season remains uncertain.
The procedure was carried out to remove a screw that had been inserted following his crash at last year’s German Grand Prix. Despite undergoing recovery during the off-season, Vinales continued to suffer from pain and limited strength in his left shoulder, which directly affected his on-track performance.
Attempts to return during the latter stages of the previous season proved unsuccessful, as the injury continued to hinder his competitiveness. The issue persisted into the early part of the 2026 campaign, before renewed discomfort following the Brazilian round led to further medical evaluation.

Subsequent checks revealed that the screw had become displaced, necessitating additional surgery. Vinales withdrew from the United States Grand Prix after the opening practice session and returned to Europe to undergo the procedure.
In a statement shared via social media, Vinales confirmed that the surgery was successful and that he is already experiencing positive signs in his recovery.
“It already feels better. The screw is out and the surgery went well.”
“Big thanks to the doctors who took care of me. Now the focus is on recovery and coming back at 100 percent.”
However, the Spanish rider emphasised that he will take a cautious approach regarding his return, prioritising full recovery over an early comeback.
“They say it’s not a major operation, just removing the screw and letting the tissue heal. Two weeks and then start training.”
“But I prefer to be more conservative. I will come back only when I feel 100 percent and can ride at my level. Otherwise, there is no point.”
The postponement of the Qatar Grand Prix offers Vinales additional time to recover, with a potential return targeted for the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez. However, any timeline remains dependent on how his physical condition evolves in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, team-mate Enea Bastianini delivered a positive result for Tech3 KTM by securing a sprint podium in the United States, following a tyre pressure penalty for Pedro Acosta. The result provided a boost for the team in Vinales’ absence.
Overall, Vinales’ performance has been significantly impacted since the initial injury, with only one points-scoring finish recorded in that period. This underlines the critical role of physical condition in maintaining competitiveness at the highest level of MotoGP.
As the 2026 season progresses, Vinales’ priority remains a complete recovery before returning to racing. With an increasingly demanding calendar and intense competition, delaying his comeback until full fitness is achieved represents a strategic decision aimed at securing long-term performance stability.



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