【MotoGP】Maverick Viñales Returns to Action at Japanese GP! Tech3's Full-Time Riders Reunite

Red Bull KTM Tech3 has announced that Maverick Viñales will return to racing action at the 16th round of MotoGP, the Japanese Grand Prix, which opens on October 2nd at Mobility Resort Motegi. This will be his first participation since the German GP in July.

Recovered from Shoulder Surgery, Returns After Filling in for Espargaró

Red Bull KTM Tech3 has confirmed that Maverick Viñales will make his racing return this weekend at the 16th round of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship, the Japanese Grand Prix, held at Mobility Resort Motegi. Viñales underwent surgery earlier this year to treat a previously sustained shoulder injury, but complications continued to affect him, keeping him away from competition since the German Grand Prix in July.

During his absence, he focused on a rehabilitation program with his medical team, KTM, and Tech3. In the meantime, Pol Espargaró, serving as KTM's test and reserve rider, stepped in as his replacement, competing in the Silverstone, Aragon, Misano, and Austrian rounds to support the team.

Following further medical and fitness evaluations at Red Bull's Athlete Performance Centre (APC), he has now been cleared to return to competition. This means that at the Japanese Grand Prix, which marks the start of the overseas consecutive races in the latter half of the season, Enea Bastianini and Viñales will be reunited in the Tech3 garage, and the team will once again have its full-time MotoGP rider lineup.

Aiming for a Gradual Return Without Rushing

Regarding his return, Maverick Viñales commented, "I'm truly happy to finally say I'm back racing. It's been a long process these past few months, but I've been working hard every day towards this day." He added, "I'm not at 100% yet, but I feel I'm on the right path and ready to take this next step. My goal in Motegi will be to build up gradually, understand where I am physically, and regain the feeling with the bike." He also expressed his gratitude to the APC staff and doctors who supported his rehabilitation.

Team Manager Nicolas Goyon explained, "We are very happy that Maverick can return with us in Japan. From the beginning of this process, our priority was to support his recovery and ensure he returned when he was ready, rather than rushing the process."

He further stated, "Although it has been a longer road than initially anticipated, Maverick has worked incredibly hard through his rehabilitation, and it's fantastic to see him ready to be back on the grid. We understand that returning from a long break takes time, so we will support him throughout the weekend and help him regain his rhythm little by little. At the same time, it's wonderful for the entire team to have a full lineup, and I look forward to getting back to work with Maverick in Motegi." The battles in the latter half of the season will resume starting with this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix.

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