Viñales returns at Motegi, subject to medical clearance

Red Bull KTM Tech3 has confirmed Maverick Viñales’ planned return at the Japanese Grand Prix. The Spaniard stepped away from competition again to continue treatment and rehabilitation on his left shoulder and has missed the last four rounds.

The Pirelli test held at the Red Bull Ring after the Austrian Grand Prix was the first real step in that comeback. Viñales rode there before undergoing a further medical and physical assessment at the Red Bull Athlete Performance Center. The results were positive enough for him to travel to Japan.

One final condition remains: Viñales must be declared fit during the medical check at Motegi before taking to the track. He says himself that he is not yet at 100% and that his goal for the weekend is to rebuild pace and feeling on the KTM progressively.