Maverick Viñales is ready to return to MotoGP. The Spanish rider will line up for the Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi after missing the last four rounds due to a shoulder injury.
Viñales has not raced since the German Grand Prix at the Sachsenring, forcing him to sit out the Grands Prix of Great Britain, Aragon, San Marino and Austria. The physical problem, linked to a muscle injury in his shoulder, required a longer recovery period than initially expected.
After several weeks of rehabilitation, the Tech3 KTM rider has received the green light to return to competition. However, Viñales has made it clear that he is not yet back to full fitness.
“I’m really happy to finally be able to say that I’m back racing. The last few months have been a long journey and I’ve worked hard every single day to reach this point,” the Spaniard explained.
The Japanese Grand Prix will therefore represent the first step in his comeback. The main objective will be to gradually rebuild his rhythm and assess how his shoulder responds to the demands of riding the KTM RC16.
“I’m not at 100% yet, but I’m on the right path and I feel ready to take this next step. Motegi will be a weekend where I need to progressively build my rhythm, understand my physical condition and regain my feeling with the bike,” Viñales added.
Pol Espargaró Returns to Test Rider Role
During Viñales’ absence, KTM called on Pol Espargaró to replace him. The Spanish rider competed in the last four Grands Prix, allowing the team to maintain its racing programme while continuing development work on the RC16.
With Viñales returning at Motegi, Espargaró will once again focus primarily on his role as KTM test and development rider.
Tech3 stressed that Viñales’ recovery had always been the team’s priority, with no intention of rushing his return.
“We are very happy to confirm that Maverick will return with us in Japan,” said team manager Nicolas Goyon.
“From the beginning of this journey, our priority has been to support his recovery and make sure he returned when he was ready, rather than forcing the process.”
An Important Return for Viñales’ Future
Viñales’ comeback also comes at an important stage in his career. His place on the MotoGP grid for 2027 has not yet been defined, while his contractual situation remains to be clarified.
For now, however, the focus is firmly on his return to racing. After several weeks away from competition, Viñales will have to gradually rebuild his confidence, race rhythm and physical condition before assessing his performance over a full Grand Prix weekend.