Maverick Viñales Fights Injury, Targets Full Recovery

Maverick Viñales is focused on recovering from his shoulder injury, which has plagued him since a violent highside at the German Grand Prix qualifying in July 2022.

The Tech3 rider underwent another surgery on his left shoulder after persistent issues forced him to withdraw from the third race in Austin.

He returned to action in Barcelona last month but continues to face significant physical limitations, with just one points finish to his name from 2026 - an 11th place finish in Catalan.

Maverick Viñales has been working on his strength, especially on the bike, to be able to be faster and stronger.

His fitness issues have come during a crucial stage in the silly season, with only a handful of seats remaining on the rider market, including the two Tech3 seats.

KTM is understood to have signed Alex Marquez and Fabio di Giannantonio for the factory team, while Vinales, Brad Binder, and Senna Agius are all vying for the Tech3 seats.

Maverick Viñales was initially considered a shoo-in for a factory promotion in 2027, with KTM earmarking him as a direct replacement for Ducati-bound Pedro Acosta.

Vinales is targeting a return to full fitness by the Czech GP on 21 June, after a good recovery from a hard weekend in Mugello.

He feels he has good energy now and is confident that he will recover 100%, as agreed by the Red Bull Athlete Performance Centre.

Maverick Viñales insists he doesn't have to convince anyone that he will make a full recovery, pointing to his impressive results in 2025 prior to the shoulder injury.

The Spaniard had a provisional second place in the Qatar GP that was later stripped due to a tyre pressure penalty, showcasing his capabilities.

Maverick Viñales is determined to regain his form and prove himself, with his next opportunity coming at the Hungarian Grand Prix.