Maverick Viñales, the Tech3 rider, finds himself at a crossroads in this 2025 season. After a promising winter preparation, he struggles to regain his best level on the track, marked by injuries that still hinder him. Just days before the Austin Grand Prix, he faces a delicate situation that could force him to undergo additional medical examinations.
A Season Marked by Injuries
Forced to a rollercoaster end of the season in 2025, with two comebacks from injury only to ultimately withdraw after a fracture and a ligament tear in his left shoulder, Maverick Viñales is still not free from the ailment this year. His encouraging winter preparation has given way to the harsh reality of racing: Viñales is still feeling the effects of this injury from Sachsenring on his bike. He notices the impact in the data, with poorer performances in right turns.
A Decisive Weekend in Austin
Motorsport.com revealed this week the possibility of a withdrawal in Austin if Friday proves too difficult. Before the weekend begins, the Tech3 rider confirmed the need for a new medical diagnosis next week upon his return to Europe. “I trained a lot this winter,” Viñales emphasized. “I feel quite good, honestly, with training bikes, but I think the MotoGP is a different category.”
Uneven Performances on the KTM
Viñales has not progressed in the last three races. “Next week, I will need to undergo examinations to see what is going on because obviously, I cannot ride at my best level.” This observation resonates with an echo of frustration: “I am not at my best in my riding. In right turns, I am at the level, or even better, but I lose a lot in left turns. There can only be one reason for that. The bike is similar [from one side to the other]! I think there is a reason, and we need to understand why.”
Austin: A Track That Suits Him
Viñales hopes not to feel too much discomfort in Austin, taking advantage of the track’s configuration: “What causes me the most problems is changing direction at high speed. Here, there are no quick direction changes.” For him, the Texas circuit could offer an opportunity to exploit his potential: “It will probably be a bit better than in Goiânia, but it is really a physical track. I will try to implement all the good techniques to try to compensate a bit!”
Necessary Adjustments for the KTM
Maverick Viñales is not limited only by his shoulder since the beginning of the season. The Spaniard comes out of two very disappointing weekends with a KTM different from those of other riders that he should abandon this weekend to adopt the same configuration. “We need to build,” Viñales estimated. His last success in MotoGP took place in Austin in 2024: “I suppose the track will help because I am quite fast there. We are looking for our own solutions.”
An Additional Challenge: Tires
The first two Grands Prix of the year were also marked by the use of a reinforced carcass tire at the rear, likely to influence the power dynamics between manufacturers and riders. Viñales is “not sure” that returning to the usual carcass will help him this weekend, but he notes that he performed better with it during the test held in Malaysia: “At Sepang, the bike behaved much better than in the last two races, so it will probably help.”
The Path to Performance
“We need to understand, properly test things,” concludes Viñales. “I think that is the most important. We need a good program.” As he prepares for the Austin Grand Prix, the Spaniard knows he will have to juggle his persistent pain and the demands of a ruthless competition.
In Summary
- Maverick Viñales continues to struggle with persistent injuries.
- A new medical diagnosis is scheduled after the Austin Grand Prix.
- Performances on his KTM are uneven due to his pain.
- Austin could offer a favorable opportunity for the Spanish rider.
- Tire adjustments are crucial for improving his results.
