Maverick Vinales set to make MotoGP return in Japan
MotoGP race winner Maverick Vinales is set to make his return at the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend, after finally overcoming a shoulder injury.
Tech3 KTM has confirmed the return of 10-time MotoGP race winner Maverick Vinales ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, with the Spaniard set to make his first appearance since the summer break.
Vinales has missed the last four rounds at Silverstone, Aragon, Misano and the Red Bull Ring due to a pre-existing shoulder injury.
After retiring from the German Grand Prix in July, an undiagnosed tear was found in his shoulder, leading to Pol Espargaro being named as his replacement for each of the last four rounds.
Vinales, who is set to leave MotoGP at the end of the 2026 season, will make his long-awaited return this weekend at Motegi, which marks the start of a five-race schedule outside of Europe.
Although Vinales is set to make his MotoGP return, the former Suzuki, Yamaha, and Aprilia rider admits he’s still not 100 per cent.
Speaking ahead of his comeback, Vinales said:
“I’m really happy to finally say that I’m coming back to racing. The last few months have been a long process, and I’ve worked hard every day to get to this point.
“I’m not at 100 per cent yet, but I’m on the right path and I feel ready to take this next step. Motegi will be about building things up step by step, understanding where I am physically and getting my feeling back on the bike.
“I want to especially thank everyone at the Red Bull APC and my doctors for all their work and support throughout my recovery. I can’t wait to be back on the bike and racing again."
Following the Japanese GP, MotoGP will then head to Mandalika, Indonesia, for round 17 of the campaign.
The final Australian Grand Prix to be held at Phillip Island will follow on October 23-25, with Malaysia (Sepang), Qatar (Lusail), Portugal (Portimao) and Spain (Valencia) set to host the final four rounds.
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After graduating with a sports journalism degree, Robert joined Crash.net to lead the WorldSBK coverage in 2021, while also providing MotoGP coverage. Fulfilling that role for over three years, Robert was able to put his knowledge about all things racing to the test.
