Viñales Set for Motegi Return After Long Layoff
Maverick Viñales will make his MotoGP return at the upcoming Grand Prix of Japan, scheduled for October 2 to 4 at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit.
The Red Bull KTM Tech3 rider has been sidelined for nearly three months following a shoulder injury and subsequent corrective surgery, missing the last four rounds of the world championship.
Shoulder Injury Sidelines Catalan Rider
The Catalan rider’s last Grand Prix appearance took place at the Sachsenring in July, where a crash compounded lingering pain from a left-shoulder injury sustained during the 2025 season. Medical evaluations subsequently revealed a lesion.
Viñales missed rounds at Silverstone, Aragon, Misano, and the Red Bull Ring, during which KTM test rider Pol Espargaró filled in for the squad.
Rehabilitation Tests Clear Path to Japan
Ahead of the 16th round of the season, Viñales completed rehabilitation programs alongside his medical team and evaluation tests aboard 2027 development machinery at the Red Bull Ring, alongside a training run at the Alcarràs circuit.
Having cleared his final medical examinations, he received clearance to rejoin teammate Enea Bastianini in the Tech3 garage.
Cautious Approach Guides Tech3 Strategy
“I am really happy to be able to finally announce my return to competition,” Viñales said in a team statement. “These last months have been a long journey, and I have worked hard every day to get here. I am not yet at 100 percent, but I am on the right track and I feel ready to take this next step. At Motegi, it will be about progressing step by step, evaluating my physical condition and finding my feelings on the bike again.”
Tech3 Team Manager Nicolas Goyon emphasized that the outfit maintained a cautious approach throughout the lengthy recovery window rather than rushing the rider back into championship competition.
Patience Required for Flyaway Leg Buildup
“We are very happy to confirm that Maverick will be back with us in Japan,” Goyon said. “Since the beginning of this process, our priority has been to support his recovery and ensure he returns when he is ready rather than rushing things. The road has been longer than initially expected, but Maverick has worked extremely hard throughout his rehabilitation.”
Goyon acknowledged that reintegrating after a multi-month absence will require a patient buildup over the race weekend. The team aims to help the Spaniard regain his rhythm gradually as KTM Tech3 restores its full lineup for the flyaway leg of the calendar.
