Tech3 KTM announced his return to MotoGP. The Spanish rider will compete in the Japan Grand Prix to be held at Motegi at the end of this week. In a detailed check-in with the rider, a tear in the shoulder muscle, which he has been struggling with due to rotator cuff injury throughout the season, was found. The rider, who has begun treatment and rehabilitation, missed the British, Aragon, San Marino, and Austrian Grand Prixs.
Maverick's Return and the Rider's Emotions
Maverick Vinales's return to MotoGP has been confirmed after a long period of injury. With Tech3's latest statement, it is clear that the Spanish rider will ride KTM at Motegi. The rider expressed his satisfaction about returning to racing after a long break with the following words:
I am really happy that I can say I will be back in the races. The last few months were a long and difficult process. I worked hard every day to get here.
Vinales, who stated that he is not yet fully recovered, said that he will assess his physical condition and regain his feel on the bike at the end of the Japan week.
I am not at 100 percent yet, but I am moving in the right direction and I feel ready to take this step now. We will not rush at Motegi. I will get through the week step by step, by seeing where I am physically and by regaining my feel on the bike.
The rider expressed gratitude to the Red Bull Athlete Performance Center team and doctors who supported him during the rehabilitation process, and that he is excited to ride the motorcycle again.
Team Management and Priority on Recovery
Tech3 Team Manager Nicolas Goyon emphasized that they expected the rider to be fully ready rather than rushing his return.
We are very happy to confirm that Maverick will be with us in Japan. From the beginning of this process, our priority was not to speed up his return, but to support his recovery and ensure he gets onto the track when he is truly ready.
Acknowledging that rehabilitation took longer than expected, Goyon stated that the rider worked intensely during this period.
It was a longer process than we expected, but Maverick put a huge effort during rehabilitation. It is great for us to see him ready to rejoin the grid now.
Japan will not put pressure at the end of the week. Tech3 is watching Vinales, who has been away from the MotoGP motorcycle for a long time. Goyon stated that they know it will take time after such a long break to return, and they will support Maverick throughout the weekend and give him the opportunity to rebuild his rhythm step by step.
Future Uncertainties
The assumption that Motegi's return might keep KTM sidelined for the 2026 season is incorrect. This assumption arose from the tension regarding the 2027 contract between Vinales and KTM, which came to light due to the lack of agreement for the German Grand Prix. The Spanish rider does not have a confirmed agreement for the next season, and the plans for 2027 remain uncertain. Currently, Vinales's priority will be more focused on the track than on the future. Motegi weekend will be the first important test to examine both the physical condition of the Spanish rider and the pace on the KTM since he has not raced since the German Grand Prix in July.
Statements
- We will not rush at Motegi. I will get through the week step by step, by seeing where I am physically and by regaining my feel on the bike.
- I am not at 100 percent yet, but I am moving in the right direction and I feel ready to take this step now.
- The last few months were a long and difficult process.
- I worked hard every day to get here.
- I am not at 100 percent, but I am ready to return.
- I am really happy that I can say I will be back in the races.
Figures
- Maverick Vinales is competing in 22nd place with 10 points in the 2026 MotoGP season (Tech 3).
- Archive: Vinales will be on track in Pol Espargaro's race (September 4, 2026)
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Go to sourceCompiled by Şükrü Utku Poyraz
