Red Bull KTM Tech3 have confirmed that Maverick Viñales will return to MotoGP action at this weekend’s Japanese GP, marking his return to the grid following an extended period of recovery from corrective shoulder surgery.
The Spaniard has been absent since the German GP in July after experiencing complications related to his previously sustained shoulder injury. After undergoing corrective surgery earlier this year, Viñales has remained focused on his rehabilitation programme alongside his medical team, KTM and Tech3.
Following further medical and fitness evaluations, Viñales has now received clearance to return to competition and will rejoin Enea Bastianini at Tech3 for Round 16 of the season.
The return to Japan comes after several rounds on the sidelines, with KTM test and reserve rider Pol Espargaro stepping in for Viñales at Silverstone, Aragon, Misano and Austria. Viñales has continued to work towards his comeback throughout this period, with his return now confirmed for the opening round of the overseas stretch of the season.
Maverick Viñales: "I’m really happy to finally say that I’m coming back to racing. The last few months have been a long process, and I’ve worked hard every day to get to this point.
"I’m not at 100% yet, but I’m on the right path, and I feel ready to take this next step. Motegi will be about building things up step by step, understanding where I am physically and getting my feeling back on the bike.
"I want to especially thank everyone at the Red Bull APC and my doctors for all their work and support throughout my recovery. I can’t wait to be back on the bike and racing again."
Nicolas Goyon, Team Manager: "We are very happy to confirm that Maverick will be back with us in Japan. Since the beginning of this process, our priority has been to support his recovery and make sure that he returned when he was ready, rather than rushing the process.
"It has been a longer road than we initially expected, but Maverick has worked extremely hard throughout his rehabilitation, and it is great to now see him ready to return to the grid. We know that coming back after such a long period away will take some time, so we will support Maverick throughout the weekend and allow him to rebuild his rhythm step by step. At the same time, it is fantastic for the whole team to have our full rider line-up back together, and we are looking forward to getting back to work with Maverick in Motegi."