Marco Bezzecchi
Maverick Vinales is still struggling with his shoulder and he is a doubt for this weekend’s Americas Grand Prix, according to a report.
Vinales was unable to participate in 14 races last year (including Sprints) after suffering a complex shoulder injury at the German GP. He initially attempted a comeback at the Catalan GP but, after struggling through three weekends, he withdrew until the season finale in Valencia.
After Top Gun took a full part in pre-season testing, it was assumed that he had fully recovered. But it has now emerged that the joint is still bothering him.
Maverick Vinales could miss the Americas Grand Prix
According to Motorsport Espana, Vinales was in ‘a lot of pain’ at the end of the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend. He was the last classified finisher in 18th.
Vinales was expected to rival Pedro Acosta this year but has struggled near the back of the pack at the opening two rounds. Perhaps the shoulder discomfort is a factor.
The 31-year-old is planning to take part in practice in Austin this weekend and then decide, in conjunction with his surgeons, whether to complete the weekend. Vinales is aware that ‘pushing himself too hard’ could aggravate the injury, which still hasn’t completely healed.
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Due to the postponement of the Qatar GP, there is a four-week gap in the schedule after round three. That means it could be a particularly advantageous time to take a break.
Intriguingly, Motorsport’s report adds that Vinales has not wanted to ‘publicly display’ his physical struggles, even though they partly explain his poor start. He’s wary of giving KTM and Tech3 ‘an excuse’ to sideline him.
Last year, Vinales had to forego some of his salary due to the volume of races he missed, and he doesn’t want to trigger that clause in his contract again.
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KTM test rider Pol Espargaro could be called into action once again if Vinales’ problems persist. Espargaro, who retired from full-time racing at the end of the 2023 season, competed in five events last season.
Meanwhile, there are rumours that Vinales’ relationship with Jorge Lorenzo is under strain. MotoGP legend Lorenzo only started coaching his fellow countryman during the off-season.
Now it looks increasingly likely that they will end the arrangement in the near future. Vinales is hoping to join the KTM factory team for 2027 but, unless he can stabilise his form, Pit Beirer may have to rethink those plans.
Tech3 owner Guenther Steiner is unlikely to be pleased if he feels Vinales has not been entirely forthcoming about his condition.
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