League: F1 Sport: Motorsports Country: Global Category: Injuries

Maverick Viñales cleared to return with Red Bull KTM at Motegi

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 1, 2026, 1:14 AM

Last updated Oct 1, 2026

Maverick Viñales cleared to return with Red Bull KTM at Motegi

Summary

Maverick Viñales returns to racing this weekend at the Japanese GP, marking his comeback with the Red Bull KTM Tech3 team after being sidelined since July 12 due to a shoulder injury. Initially expected to manage a minor muscle tear, Viñales underwent corrective surgery that prolonged his recovery. While not at full fitness, he aims to gradually rebuild his rhythm on the bike during the race weekend, which serves as an opportunity to conclude the season on track rather than from the pits. Team manager Nicolas Goyon emphasized a cautious approach to Viñales' return.

Source Links

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Status Watch

•Viñales has not raced since the Sachsenring event in July.
•Pol Espargaró filled in during Viñales' absence, scoring 5 points.
•Viñales aims to understand his physical condition and regain bike feeling.
•This race kicks off the MotoGP season's overseas leg.
•His future with the team remains uncertain following his contract disputes.

Latest Updates

1:14 AMYahoo Sports — Viñales Cleared To Return At Motegi

What they're saying

"
Shoulder woes kept him sidelined since Sachsenring Photos by Rob Gray (Polarity Photo). Maverick Viñales is coming back on the grid this weekend, rejoining the Red Bull KTM Tech3 team at the Japanese GP, ending a stint on the sidelines that stretched all the way back to the July 12 Sachsenring round. He rejoins Enea Bastianini for Round 16, restoring the team's full lineup as MotoGP opens its overseas stretch. [cuttext][/cuttext] The absence traced back to complications from a shoulder injury Vi
— Yahoo Sports

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