Maverick Vinales could drop off MotoGP grid completely after KTM ‘suspended’ 2027 agreement

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Maverick Vinales could miss out on a 2027 MotoGP seat entirely if KTM don’t offer him a factory ride, according to a report.

It emerged this week that Vinales’ move to KTM is on hold after the rider’s poor start to the season. Top Gun is one of only three full-time riders yet to score a point.

Before the season started, a factory promotion seemed like a formality. KTM are signing Alex Marquez to replace Pedro Acosta but Vinales was in line to take Brad Binder’s seat.

Maverick Vinales may enter the MotoGP rider market too late

According to Motorpasion Moto, the agreement between KTM and Vinales’ camp was practically ‘finalised’, but nothing had been signed. The move has now been ‘suspended’.

If Vinales improves and starts to challenge Acosta, comfortably the brand’s top performer, then the move could still happen.

However, Vinales still isn’t fully fit after injuring his shoulder last July and attempting a comeback prematurely. That could prevent him from displaying his top form.

• READ MORE: Maverick Vinales explains why he regrets leaving Yamaha despite it now being the ‘right decision’

The timing of KTM’s hesitation is problematic for Vinales, who has competed in nearly 200 races and scored 10 premier-class victories. He thought he had a coveted seat in the bag, but now he ‘risks entering the market so late’ that all of the available spots are taken.

Ducati and Aprilia have both finalised their line-ups already, pending official confirmation, and Vinales hasn’t been linked with any vacancies elsewhere. As for his current team, Tech3 have been linked with Daniel Holgado, the Moto2 star, and may look to go in a different direction under new owner Guenther Steiner.

Jorge Lorenzo was unhappy that he was left ‘stranded’ after Thailand GP

While all of this is happening, Vinales’ relationship with Jorge Lorenzo, his newly-appointed rider coach, is said to be under serious strain. There are some suspicions that the collaboration is already coming to an end.

Lorenzo was apparently ‘very unhappy’ that he was left ‘stranded’ after the Thailand GP. MotoGP teams faced disruption with their return flights due to the conflict in the Middle East.

The MotoGP legend made it home a few days later than scheduled but didn’t travel to round two in Brazil and won’t be in Austin this weekend either.

Lorenzo is still expected to be present at the Spanish GP after the enforced break in the season, but he may only attend the event as a television pundit.