Maverick ViñalesPlayer·Maverick Viñales, the Spanish rider for Red Bull KTM Tech3Team·Red Bull KTM Tech3, is poised to rejoin the MotoGPCompetition·MotoGP grid for the upcoming Catalan Grand PrixCompetition·Catalan Grand Prix in Barcelona this weekend. His return marks a significant moment after he was sidelined due to a corrective shoulder operation.
Viñales' absence spanned the last two rounds of the championship, at the Jerez Grand PrixCompetition·Jerez Grand Prix and the Le Mans Grand PrixCompetition·Le Mans Grand Prix. The surgery, performed in early April, addressed a left shoulder injury sustained last summer, which required the removal of a loose screw. This injury had previously forced him to withdraw from the Grand Prix of the AmericasCompetition·Grand Prix of the Americas after the first free practice session in Austin.
Speaking on his return, Viñales expressed considerable motivation. "I am happy to be back and finally racing again. The last few weeks have not been easy. I worked hard every day to recover, with the full support of Red Bull in APC, and I am returning in the best possible shape," Viñales stated. "Now I feel strong and motivated to get back on the bike. I want to thank the team for their support and patience, and I couldn't be more excited to start again at my home race in Catalunya."
His comeback is particularly crucial as Viñales has yet to secure any points in the 2026 MotoGPCompetition·MotoGP season. The team anticipates that his experience will contribute to improved results throughout the remainder of the championship. The Catalan Grand PrixCompetition·Catalan Grand Prix holds special significance for Viñales as his home event, and a warm reception from the Spanish crowd is expected at the Circuit de Barcelona-CatalunyaVenue·Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
Despite Viñales' return, the Barcelona event will not feature all regular MotoGPCompetition·MotoGP riders for the 2026 season. The reigning world champion will miss the Catalan round due to an injury sustained last week at Le Mans, with DucatiTeam·Ducati opting not to field a replacement rider. Consequently, 21 of the 22 regular riders will compete, joined by YamahaTeam·Yamaha test rider Augusto FernandezPlayer·Augusto Fernandez, who will participate as a wild card for the second time this year.
During Viñales' recovery period, his Red Bull KTM Tech3Team·Red Bull KTM Tech3 teammate, Enea BastianiniPlayer·Enea Bastianini, maintained consistent top-10 finishes. Jonas FolgerPlayer·Jonas Folger served as a substitute rider for Viñales at Le Mans, where he secured a 16th-place finish.
Maverick Viñales during the MotoGP Grand Prix of Indonesia, October 14, 2023. Credit: CordonPress/IMAGO
CordonPress/IMAGOThis article was generated by AI (gemini-2.5-flash). Learn more.
