Now, here is a machine-and-man story worth watching closely: as Motorsport.com reports, Maverick Vinales is stepping back onto a MotoGP bike at the Red Bull Ring on Monday. The Tech3 rider will participate in a Pirelli tyre test to evaluate his injured left shoulder and see if a proper racing comeback is on the cards for next month’s Japanese Grand Prix.
That troublesome left shoulder has put the Spaniard through the absolute grinder. Vinales initially suffered the injury at last year’s German Grand Prix and underwent surgery, kicking off a brutal cycle of comebacks and setbacks. This year saw him withdraw from the United States round to get a loose screw removed from the joint. He did return at Barcelona and fought through six grands prix, but couldn't crack the top 10 in any of them, ultimately stepping away from competition once again after the German Grand Prix on 12 July.
Thankfully, the physical prep has ramped up lately. Vinales even took a road-going sports bike for a spin at the Circuit d’Alcarras near Lleida on Friday to test his strength. Feeling positive after that session, he coordinated with KTM, who are preparing an RC16 for him to pilot during Monday's Pirelli outing.
Let me tell you, there is no substitute for the real thing. His immediate objective is simply to complete Monday's test, because nothing else can truly tell him if the recent rehabilitation work is enough for the brutal demands of a premier-class prototype. If the test goes well, Vinales could target a comeback at the Japanese Grand Prix on 4 October, though a return at one of the following rounds remains an alternative if he needs more time.
That said, the clock is ticking on his current chapter in the paddock. The 31-year-old, currently contesting his 11th MotoGP season, does not have a seat on the 2027 grid after failing to reach an agreement on a contract extension with either KTM or his current Tech3 squad. For next year, Tech3 has signed Luca Marini alongside Australian youngster Senna Agius, while the factory KTM outfit will field Alex Marquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio. Monday's test at the Red Bull Ring is a crucial moment to see what the rest of this season holds.
