Maverick Vinales has withdrawn from the remaining German MotoGP events, resulting in no Tech3 KTM riders participating this weekend. Vinales was taken to a nearby hospital for further evaluation of his shoulder after experiencing a severe high-side crash during the wet qualifying session earlier today.
Following the incident, his name was removed from the updated sprint race lineup, and Tech3 confirmed he suffered a dislocation and fractures in his shoulder. This injury also casts doubt over his participation in next weekend’s Brno round.
According to the team, after his crash in the second quarter of qualifying, Vinales was initially treated at the medical center, where his dislocated left shoulder was quickly realigned in the truck. However, doctors suspected a minor fracture, which was confirmed upon further examination at the hospital.
Tech3 stated that Vinales will not compete in the remaining German Grand Prix races and that they are awaiting updates on his recovery to determine if he will be able to race at Brno.
Despite battling the rainy conditions in Q1 alongside Johann Zarco to secure a spot in pole position with two laps to spare, Vinales crashed during the fourth turn lap and was unable to return to the truck. He was subsequently taken to the medical center for an initial checkup before being sent to the hospital for a more thorough shoulder assessment.
Tech3’s other rider, Enea Bastianini, had already been sidelined from the Sachsenring round due to appendicitis. Meanwhile, Jack Miller, who was briefly airborne during qualifying, managed to return to his backup bike and secured ninth place on the grid.
The next race, the Czech Grand Prix at Brno, marks the final event before the summer break and is scheduled for next weekend.
Fan Take: This setback for Vinales is a tough blow for Tech3 and MotoGP fans, highlighting the sport’s relentless risks and the importance of rider health. It also opens the door for other competitors to step up during a crucial phase of the season, potentially shaking up the standings as we head into summer.
