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Vinales: “I don't understand what KTM wants from me”
The 10-time MotoGP winner says he is not done yet after testing KTM’s 2027 prototype and missing 15 grands prix with a shoulder injury.
- Maverick Vinales confirmed his MotoGP comeback at Motegi this weekend after missing five races, admitting he previously thought he "wouldn't race again" in the 2026 season.
- KTM dropped Vinales after a right shoulder injury caused inconsistent performance during the first part of the season, leaving him without a seat on the 2027 grid.
- Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner called Vinales 10 days ago to test at the Red Bull Ring, where Vinales estimates his shoulder injury improved by 10-15%, clearing him to travel to Japan.
- Despite his fractured relationship with KTM, Vinales was "very surprised" to test next year's prototype and insisted "I'm not done yet here" while aiming to finish the race at Motegi.
- With Tech3 seats going to Luca Marini and Senna Agius, Vinales leaves MotoGP at season's end but hopes this return serves as a stepping stone to secure a new role within the Austrian manufacturer's ecosystem.
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Surprisingly, Maverick Vinales also tested the 850-MotoGP-KTM. After passing the check, the long-term failure is now returning to racing. Vinales had a lot to tell.
Read on Sky Sport the article Vinales: 'More gas to give, I want to do it in MotoGP'
·Italy
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Spanish rider Maverick Viñales returns to the MotoGP circuit for the Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi after almost three months out. The KTM Tech3 rider, who has missed the last five races with a right shoulder injury, has expressed his disappointment and confusion at the Austrian manufacturer's attitude, admitting that he even considered his season to be completely over.
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