MotoGP tests, Maverick Vinales is returning to the races in Japan to monitor his fitness on the KTM RC16 after a long break. It was reported that Spanier announced that he would make a comeback in Japan at the end of this week.
Maverick Vinales stated that he would return to the races in Japan at the end of this week. This was a long preparation period, and he said he worked intensively every day to reach this point.
Rehabilitation Process and Preparation
Maverick Vinales has been undergoing rehabilitation due to his injury. During this process, he focused on progressing step-by-step to understand his physical state and rediscover his feelings for the motorcycle. Vinales thanked Red Bull Athlete Performance Center (APC) and his doctors for their support during the recovery process.
I am very excited to finally be able to return to the racing action. The last few months were a long process, and I worked hard every day to reach this point.
Maverick Vinales stated that although he is not 100% ready, he feels he is on the right track and ready to take the next step. Motegi's goal is to build strength step-by-step, understand his physical condition, and rediscover his feelings for the motorcycle.
Team and Support
Technical Team Manager Nicolas Goyon expressed the team's satisfaction regarding Maverick Vinales's return. The team emphasized that they prioritize supporting Maverick's recovery and ensuring he only returns to the races when he is ready, rather than rushing the process.
We are very happy to be able to confirm that Maverick will be with us in Japan again. Since the beginning of this process, it has been paramount for us to support his recovery and ensure that he only returns when he is ready, instead of rushing the process.
The team expressed satisfaction that Maverick worked very hard during rehabilitation and is now ready to return to the races. The team stated that they will support Maverick throughout the week and enable him to rediscover his rhythm step-by-step. They also expressed pleasure in being back with the full rider lineup.
Future Plans
Maverick Vinales is expected to drop his position in KTM Tech3 this season. Günther Steiner's team will feature Luca Marini and Rookie Senna Agius in the 2027 season. There were speculations that he might drop out mid-season due to his injury, but KTM stated their goal is for Maverick to stay until the end of the season. Maverick Vinales has completed his return to Japan during this visit.
Figures
- Maverick Vinales is competing in 22nd place with 10 points in the 2026 MotoGP season (Tech 3).
- Archive: Tech3 KTM Maverick Vinales Return Confirmed (September 29, 2026)
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Go to sourceCompiled by Şükrü Utku Poyraz
