Vinales Eyes Portimao Return as KTM Prioritizes Full Recovery
Table of Contents
A decisive step toward Maverick Vinales‘ return to MotoGP is underway, with the KTM Tech3 rider undergoing intensive therapy and assessment in salzburg, Austria. A final determination regarding his participation in the Portimao race will be made shortly.
Vinales has been sidelined since a shoulder dislocation sustained during qualifying at the Sachsenring circuit this past summer. The injury forced him to miss the recent MotoGP Asian tour, where Pol Espargaro filled in for the Spanish racer. The 30-year-old initially attempted to continue racing, but was ultimately forced to withdraw from the Mandalika weekend in early October.
Advanced Therapy at Red Bull Athlete Performance Center
To explore all available recovery options, Vinales recently spent several days at the Red Bull Athlete performance Center (APC) in Thalgau, Salzburger Land. There, he underwent a series of specialized tests and training sessions designed to accelerate his rehabilitation.
According to a senior official, “Maverick has the best conditions in the APC. Among other things, some measurements were carried out.” The focus is now on quantifiable progress, moving away from simply adhering to the racing schedule. “We no longer want to follow the racing calendar,” the official stated. “We want Maverick back fully fit so that he can reach his full potential. In some areas he still doesn’t have the strength he had before the injury. With normal therapy you reach your limits. We are now waiting for the APC’s okay – we need measurable values. There’s no more trying!”
Testing and a First-Time Experience with Pain
Vinales is scheduled to participate in a test run with a 600cc motorcycle in Spain as part of his recovery process. This marks a important moment in his career, as the former motocross vice world champion has not previously dealt with a serious injury of this nature.
“For Maverick, this is the first serious injury in his MotoGP career. He had no idea what it meant to drive in pain,” a team representative emphasized. The team is committed to ensuring Vinales returns to the track at 100% capacity, prioritizing long-term performance over a rushed comeback.
Beyond the intensive rehabilitation programme, Vinales also took time to enjoy a different sporting spectacle during his stay in Salzburg, attending an FC Red Bull Salzburg home game in the Europa League against Ferencvaros Budapest.
The team remains cautiously optimistic about Vinales’ potential return to competition at the penultimate MotoGP event of the 2025 season in Portimao, but stresses that his full recovery remains the paramount concern.
Here’s a substantive news report answering the “Why, Who, What, and How” questions:
Why: Maverick Vinales is undergoing intensive rehabilitation to recover from a shoulder dislocation sustained during qualifying at the Sachsenring circuit in July. The KTM Tech3 team is prioritizing his full recovery to ensure he can reach his full potential and avoid risking further injury with a premature return.
Who: The key individuals involved are Maverick Vinales (KTM Tech3 rider), Pol Espargaro (who filled in during Vinales’ absence), and KTM Tech3 team officials. The Red Bull Athlete Performance Center (APC) in Salzburg is also playing a crucial role in his recovery.
