Tech3 KTM has announced that Maverick Vinales will make his long-awaited return to the MotoGP grid this weekend at the Japanese Grand Prix, after missing several races since the summer break. The former 10-time race winner has been sidelined all season due to a lingering shoulder injury.
During the summer hiatus, doctors identified a previously undetected tear in Vinales’ shoulder muscle, causing him to sit out the British, Aragon, San Marino, and Austrian GPs as he focused on recovery. Although no exact comeback date was initially set, Tech3 has now confirmed his participation in the upcoming Motegi race.
“I’m really happy to finally say that I’m coming back to racing,” Vinales expressed. “The last few months have been a challenging journey, and I’ve been working hard every day to reach this point. I’m not yet at full strength, but I’m on the right track and feel ready for this next step. Motegi will be about taking things gradually, assessing my physical condition, and regaining my confidence on the bike. I want to give special thanks to everyone at Red Bull APC and my medical team for their incredible support during this recovery. I can’t wait to get back on the bike and race again.”
Vinales’ return dispels earlier rumors that KTM was considering permanently sidelining him for the remainder of the season, especially following a tense German Grand Prix weekend where contract disputes created friction between the rider and the team. Currently, Vinales remains without a confirmed seat for the 2027 season, and his future in the sport is still uncertain.
Tech3 team manager Nicolas Goyon commented, “We’re very pleased to confirm Maverick’s return in Japan. Our top priority has been supporting his full recovery rather than rushing him back too soon. The rehabilitation took longer than expected, but Maverick has shown incredible dedication, and it’s fantastic to see him ready to race again. We understand it will take time for him to regain his rhythm after such a layoff, so we will fully support him throughout the weekend as he rebuilds his pace. Additionally, having our full rider lineup back is a huge boost for the entire team, and we look forward to working with Maverick again at Motegi.”
Fan Take: Vinales’ return is a significant moment for MotoGP fans, as it brings back a proven talent whose competitive spirit can shake up the grid. His comeback also highlights the resilience and determination riders must have to overcome injuries, adding an inspiring layer to this season’s storylines.
Source: www.crash.net
