Tech3 MotoGP team boss Guenther Steiner has confirmed that Maverick Vinales was never a 2027 option for the outfit, noting that no deal was ever tabled.
Speaking at the Austrian Grand Prix, Steiner addressed the speculation surrounding Vinales' future. "Maverick is a KTM rider. And we needed to decide at some stage," Steiner said. "I don’t think Maverick told KTM that he wanted a works team seat, and obviously we don’t have that. So, we needed to make our decision." When pressed if a deal was ever presented to Vinales, Steiner replied: "No."
The clarification follows a period of uncertainty after Vinales' expected promotion to the factory KTM squad for 2027 fell through due to a dip in form caused by a shoulder injury. Vinales had claimed he signed a deal to remain a KTM rider with Tech3 in the summer, but said it was revoked by the manufacturer. From next year, both Tech3 riders will be contracted to the team rather than to KTM, signaling a structural change.
With Tech3 confirming that Senna Agius will partner Luca Marini for 2027, all grid slots are now secured, making Vinales' MotoGP exit official. The 10-time race winner has been absent since the summer break to recover from his shoulder injury.
Steiner emphasized his concern for Vinales' health, stating: "I want him fit as a human being, not as an athlete, for his future, as a person. That’s more important than racing motorbikes." He added that he had no update on Vinales' condition but reiterated that the rider himself said he is not fit to ride.
The announcement brings an end to Vinales' tenure in MotoGP, at least for now, as Tech3 moves forward with a new lineup.
Baca Juga
Tech3 menegaskan tidak pernah menawarkan kontrak 2027 kepada Maverick Vinales, mengakhiri spekulasi masa depan pembalap Spanyol itu di MotoGP.
Jorge Martin raih pole position GP Austria di Spielberg, ungguli Marc Marquez dan Pedro Acosta. Simak hasil kualifikasi dan pernyataan pembalap.
Jorge Martin rebut pole MotoGP Austria 2026 di Red Bull Ring, unggul 0,071 detik atas Marc Marquez dan Pedro Acosta. Simak hasil lengkap kualifikasi.
Lanjutkan dengan Google
Diskusi & Komentar (0)
Mari Bergabung dalam Diskusi!
Masuk dengan mudah untuk mulai memberikan komentar, membalas, dan berinteraksi dengan pembaca lainnya.
Komentar Terbaru
Belum ada komentar. Jadilah yang pertama!