Maverick Viñales's uncertainties continue in his MotoGP career. The Spanish rider, who lost his seat due to ambiguity regarding a contract with KTM, has emerged as a new option for Ducati. Viñales stated that his priority is to continue racing and he has not yet decided on his future.
Ducati's Potential Role
Michele Pirro and Nicolo Bulega are currently in Ducati's test squad. Bulega's move to MotoGP with the VR46 Ducati in 2027 suggests that the Italian manufacturer may need a new rider for its test program. Furthermore, the fact that Pirro, who played a significant role in Ducati's development for many years, is 40 years old, and the change in technical regulations for MotoGP in 2027 increases the importance of test riders close to active race pace. Viñales having used MotoGP machines from four manufacturers with different technical characteristics could be valuable in the development process of Ducati's new motorcycle. However, due to the regulatory changes in 2027, wildcard participation for test riders will not be possible. Therefore, Viñales's potential role with Ducati will be limited to development work and the possibility of riding in place of an injured rider rather than a regular racing opportunity.
Viñales's Thoughts on His Future
Speaking about his future, Viñales admitted that test riding is not an easy decision for him.
I am thinking a lot about where I will go. I am not sure about anything because I feel there are still many things I can do.
The Spanish rider, who believes he can race at full capacity after his injury, emphasized that he has not lost his motivation.
Especially when I am completely recovered from my injury, I will feel very refreshed. I couldn't race as much as I wanted in the last two years, and I still have a lot of energy.
Viñales stated that it is one of the topics he needs to consider when deciding on his future with KTM.
Career Goals and the Question of Satisfaction
The Spanish rider's main goal remains unchanged.
My first priority is not to test, but to race in MotoGP. Therefore, I still need to think a lot.
With most of the seats in the 2027 MotoGP grid filled, Viñales's options are significantly narrowed. While it is not yet confirmed who will race alongside Fabio Quartararo in the Honda factory team, David Alonso and Diogo Moreira are being considered for this seat. The fact that most of the factory seats in WorldSBK are already determined makes Viñales's future more complex. The Spanish rider said that he wants to make the right decision that will make him happy, not just to find a place in one team in this stage of his career.
I want to know what makes me happy, how I should approach my future, and where I want to go every night.
Viñales is unsure whether a role away from races will provide him with the same satisfaction.
I am in a period where I can think freely for the first time. I need to understand what brings me happiness and how I will feel if I do not race in MotoGP.
I am not sure if I will feel satisfied if I do test riding. That is why I need to think carefully about the decision I will make.
The Ducati option could open the door to staying in the MotoGP paddock and participating in an important project in the 2027 technical period. However, the statements of the 31-year-old rider show that he has not yet given up on his goal to race. There is no confirmed development regarding a deal with Ducati at this stage.
Statements
Maverick Viñales:
I am thinking about where I will go every night.
Figures
- Archive: Going to learn from Ducati instead of beating Marquez (October 9, 2026)
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Go to sourceCompiled by Şükrü Utku Poyraz
