Maverick Vinales has been instructed to prioritise his recovery and avoid rushing back to MotoGP action as concerns continue over his long-term fitness.
After several setbacks following the shoulder injury he suffered at last year’s German Grand Prix, Vinales and his team are now taking a more cautious approach to his comeback.
The Spaniard had initially hoped to return earlier this season, but further complications forced him to withdraw from the United States Grand Prix in March to undergo another procedure to remove a loose surgical screw.
Now, Guenther Steiner has made it clear that Vinales will only return once he is fully fit, stressing that competing in MotoGP while below peak condition is simply not realistic.
Steiner explained that the physical demands of modern MotoGP leave no room for compromise, especially when riders need complete confidence in their bodies to perform at the highest level.
Source: Mobilinanews
As a result, Vinales is expected to miss the upcoming Catalan Grand Prix in Barcelona, with the focus now shifting towards a possible comeback at the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello later this month.
The extra recovery time is seen as crucial for ensuring the Tech3 KTM rider can return without risking further setbacks.
Away from the injury situation, Tech3 is also facing an important decision regarding its long-term future in MotoGP. The team is currently evaluating its manufacturer options ahead of the major regulation changes coming in 2027.
Although Tech3 currently races with KTM machinery, discussions with Honda are ongoing as the team considers which project offers the strongest potential under the new rules.
Steiner admitted that the upcoming 2027 regulations make the decision difficult, as no manufacturer can yet predict who will gain the biggest advantage once the new era begins.
An official announcement regarding Tech3’s future is expected within the next two weeks as the team weighs one of its most important strategic decisions in recent years.
