Viñales confirms Japanese MotoGP comeback after four missed races

News Summary

Maverick Viñales will return to the Tech3 KTM at the Japanese Grand Prix on 2–4 October.
He missed the British, Aragon, San Marino and Austrian rounds while recovering from a shoulder muscle tear.
Viñales says he feels ready to race, although he is not yet fully fit.

Maverick Viñales will return to MotoGP at this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix, Tech3 has confirmed. The Spaniard has been absent since the summer break while recovering from a shoulder injury that had troubled him during the season. His comeback will reunite him with teammate Enea Bastianini at Motegi.

An examination during the break identified a previously undiagnosed tear in a shoulder muscle. Viñales subsequently missed four Grands Prix: Great Britain, Aragon, San Marino and Austria. Tech3 used Pol Espargaró as his replacement during the latter part of that absence.

“I’m really happy to finally say that I’m coming back to racing,” Viñales said. He described the recovery as a lengthy process involving daily work with his doctors and the Red Bull Athlete Performance Center, whom he thanked for their support.

The 10-time MotoGP race winner was careful about what the return means for his physical condition. He said he remains short of full fitness but feels ready for the next stage of his recovery. At Motegi, his immediate goals are to assess how his shoulder responds, regain his feeling on the KTM and increase his workload progressively.

Tech3 team manager Nicolas Goyon said the team had chosen to give Viñales the time he needed, even though his rehabilitation took longer than initially expected. Goyon praised the rider’s work during that period and said Tech3 would support a gradual return to race rhythm throughout the Japanese weekend. Having its regular pairing together again is also welcome for the team, he added.

Viñales’ return comes at a consequential point in his season. His extended absence has limited his opportunity to race and develop the KTM, while his plans for 2027 remain unannounced. His first sessions at Motegi will provide a clearer measure of his condition than the confirmation of his entry alone.

The Japanese Grand Prix at Mobility Resort Motegi takes place from Friday 2 to Sunday 4 October. Viñales is due to begin his return when MotoGP practice starts on Friday.