Maverick Vinales has emerged from his MotoGP comeback at the Japanese Grand Prix with renewed confidence, declaring his troublesome shoulder injury healed after completing a full weekend at Motegi.
The Tech 3 KTM rider finished 14th in Sunday’s race to collect two points, marking his first full Grand Prix weekend since a serious crash at the 2025 German Grand Prix.
Given the long period away from racing and the physical demands of riding the KTM RC16, Vinales admitted he was surprised to come away from Motegi with points.
His return was particularly encouraging because the Japanese circuit is known for its heavy braking zones, which can place significant strain on a rider’s upper body.
“My feeling is that the shoulder is healed,” Vinales said.
While the injury itself no longer appears to be causing major problems, the Spaniard acknowledged that returning to full race fitness is a different challenge.
Some of the muscle groups required for MotoGP cannot be fully prepared in a gym, particularly those involved in the repeated heavy braking and physical control of a premier-class motorcycle.
Vinales said he feels strong in many areas but still needs more time on the bike to rebuild the specific strength required for racing at the highest level.
The next test comes at the Indonesian Grand Prix at Mandalika, where Vinales expects the circuit layout to suit his current physical condition better than Motegi.
Source: Motorsport
Mandalika features more frequent changes of direction and fewer of Motegi’s demanding braking zones. That could reduce the strain on his recovering shoulder and arms, although the intense heat and humidity in Lombok will provide a different physical challenge.
“Changes of direction I have no problems now, like in the past,” Vinales said.
For Vinales, the Indonesian round therefore offers another opportunity to build momentum and regain his race rhythm after a difficult period on the sidelines.
However, his improving physical condition has not resolved another major question surrounding his future.
The Spaniard’s place on the MotoGP grid for the 2027 season remains uncertain, with Vinales having previously indicated that his situation with KTM has complicated his prospects of securing a confirmed seat.
That leaves the remaining rounds of the 2026 season particularly important. While Vinales continues to demonstrate that he can compete physically after his long recovery, he is also racing for a place on next year’s MotoGP grid.
His performance at Motegi was only worth two points, but for Vinales, the bigger victory may have been proving that his shoulder can withstand a full Grand Prix weekend again.
