Viñales returns but reveals a much deeper break with KTM

Maverick Viñales will be back on track at Motegi on Friday. But his comeback now comes with a much more serious revelation about his future: the Spaniard says he no longer understands what KTM wants from him after months of contradictory decisions.

Viñales says he was initially told a place in the factory KTM team would be reserved for him for 2027. The manufacturer then changed direction and dropped him not only from the works team but also from Tech3. According to Motorsport.com, that decision was only formally communicated to him on June 30, when most other options on the grid were effectively closed.

The situation changed again recently: Viñales thought he would not race again this year before being called back for the Red Bull Ring Pirelli test, where KTM even let him try the future 850cc bike. His immediate goal at Motegi is simply to complete the weekend through Sunday’s race. Looking ahead, he says he does not consider his MotoGP story over and would rather wait for an opportunity — possibly as a test rider — than move to WorldSBK.