Maverick Vinales is set to make his MotoGP return at this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix after being sidelined for almost three months with a shoulder injury.
The Tech3 KTM rider has been given medical clearance to race at Motegi, marking his first competitive appearance since the German Grand Prix in July.
Vinales has endured a difficult recovery after complications from a shoulder injury kept him out of action. He recently returned to the KTM RC16 during a Pirelli test at the Red Bull Ring, giving him valuable track time ahead of his comeback.
The Spaniard admitted he is not yet back to full fitness, but believes he is ready to begin the next stage of his return.
"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," Vinales said.
"I'm not at 100% 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."
Vinales' shoulder problems date back to a crash during qualifying at the 2025 German Grand Prix, where he suffered a fracture. Surgery and further complications disrupted his return, with another operation required earlier this season to remove a loose screw.
Source: Autosport
He briefly returned at Barcelona but was unable to regain his usual pace. After the summer break, Vinales opted to take additional time away from racing rather than risk another premature comeback, missing four rounds while continuing his rehabilitation.
Tech3 KTM team manager Nicolas Goyon said the team had always prioritised Vinales' recovery over rushing him back onto the grid.
"We are very happy to confirm that Maverick will be back with us in Japan. Since the beginning of this process, our priority has been to support his recovery and make sure that he returned when he was ready, rather than rushing the process," Goyon said.
Goyon added that Vinales had worked extremely hard throughout his rehabilitation and that the team was pleased to finally see him ready to return.
With his comeback now confirmed, Vinales' immediate focus will be on rebuilding his fitness, race rhythm and confidence on the RC16. Rather than expecting an instant return to his best form, the weekend at Motegi will give him an opportunity to assess where he stands physically after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
