Maverick Viñales Secures KTM Future Amidst Frustration

Maverick Viñales' future in MotoGP remains uncertain, with KTM admitting they understand his frustration over the ongoing wait to resolve his Tech3 future. KTM Motorsport Director Pit Beirer says he understands why Maverick Viñales feels frustrated, given it's almost July and he still doesn't know anything about his future.

What happened?

Maverick Viñales, the former Suzuki, Yamaha, and Aprilia race winner, has been recovering from a slow-healing shoulder injury for almost a year. He claimed he had turned down the opportunity to sign for a rival team, adding that he had gone from being in contention for a factory KTM seat to not even being sure of his Tech3 future.

Why it matters for Maverick Viñales

Pit Beirer told MotoGP pit lane reporter Jack Appleyard that Maverick Viñales needs to understand KTM's side, as they need to create the best possible rider package. Beirer said they gave Maverick Viñales a lot of time to come back, and there's nothing they want more than to have him back to normal form.

What comes next?

Maverick Viñales finished twelfth fastest on Friday at Brno, as the second-best RC16 after Pedro Acosta, who was sixth. Enea Bastianini is expected to leave Tech3 for Trackhouse Aprilia next season, while Moto2 race winner Senna Agius and factory KTM rider Brad Binder are also believed to be on the 2027 Tech3 shortlist alongside Maverick Viñales. And other former MotoGP race winners, such as Jack Miller and Alex Rins, are also in search of rides for the start of the 850cc era. So the factory KTM team is set to run an all-new Alex Marquez and Fabio di Giannantonio line-up next season, in place of Pedro Acosta and Binder. But Beirer insists the delay does not mean Maverick Viñales has fallen down the pecking order, saying he's one of their favourite candidates. Beirer asked for patience, saying they need a little more time to decide on the rider package. Maverick Viñales' frustration is understandable, given the uncertainty surrounding his future. But KTM is keen to have him back, and Beirer's comments suggest they still see him as a key part of their plans. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining Maverick Viñales' future, with KTM set to make a decision on their rider line-up for 2027.