Maverick Viñales, MotoGP rider, is facing another recovery period. After a crash during qualifying at last summer’s German GP, he now needs to prepare for surgery to remove a misplaced screw in his shoulder. Balancing pain and impatience, the Spaniard knows that every decision counts, especially when it comes to returning to the track.
A Tumultuous Comeback
Maverick Viñales continues to oscillate between hope and disappointment. After suffering a fracture of the greater trochanter along with ligament damage and a pinched supraspinatus in his left shoulder, his return to MotoGP has been fraught with obstacles. For the third time since his comeback, he has had to cut short a race weekend, this time in Austin, where Tech3 announced his withdrawal after Free Practice 1.
The reason for this latest interruption is disturbingly simple: a screw, placed to stabilize his ligament, has shifted. The surgery planned for early next week should be relatively straightforward, and Viñales remains hopeful for a return at Jerez, especially with a four-week break following the postponement of the Qatar GP. However, the rider insists he will only return when he is fully operational.
A Clear Yet Worrying Diagnosis
What’s the situation?
For Viñales, the reality is clear: “A screw has shifted.” He has experienced a decrease in strength and an increase in pain, prompting him to seek medical advice. “It was clear that something was wrong,” he confides. Indeed, the screw was nearly out of its original position, a scenario the rider describes as the worst-case scenario.
Fortunately, the tendon, labrum, and bone appear to be healed. In theory, only the screw removal is necessary before moving on to rehabilitation. But in practice, riding without being at 100% poses a problem. “I lose 0.7 seconds in four corners here,” he explains, referencing his time on the Austin circuit. “There’s no point in continuing if I’m not at my best.” He prefers to focus on his recovery.
Decision-Making: A Crucial Challenge
Maverick quickly realized he needed to act. During testing in Sepang, everything seemed normal, but soon the pain resurfaced after each stint. “It was more than evident that an examination was necessary,” he emphasizes. The MotoGP doctor confirmed that there was no benefit to continuing under these conditions and that crashing could cause serious damage.
“If I make a mistake and try to push beyond my current limits, I could regret it for the rest of my life,” he admits with clarity. He chooses caution by deciding to remove the misplaced screw first.
Difficult Yet Necessary Choices
Did you consider heading back to Europe on Thursday?
Not at all. Rushing was not in his vocabulary. Viñales wanted to first give it a shot during practice and had important elements to test for his Tech3 team. This GP was also a special event for him and his team, now backed by American funds.
Surgery: Relief on the Horizon
When is the surgery scheduled?
The surgery is set for next Tuesday. The surgeons plan to perform an arthroscopy to remove the screw and check the condition of the surrounding tissues. “I think it’s the best thing,” he states with a note of optimism. Nevertheless, he remains aware of the challenges ahead.
An Uncertain Yet Promising Future
Has your contractual situation complicated things?
“If I’m at this level, I won’t be racing! I won’t have any contract,” he asserts with determination. He knows that a successful return will depend on his optimal physical condition. “I must come back when I’m fully fit,” he insists.
In Summary
- Maverick Viñales must undergo surgery to remove a displaced screw.
- His return to MotoGP will depend on his complete rehabilitation.
- He prioritizes caution to avoid irreparable mistakes.
- Recovery is a key issue for maintaining his career.
- Viñales aims for a return at the Jerez GP if all goes well.
