Good news for KTM and MotoGP fans: Maverick Viñales will finally return to the track for the season finale in Valencia, after a long absence due to injury. The Spanish rider, who races for the Tech3 KTM team, has been sidelined since his crash at the Sachsenring — a costly mistake that marked a turning point in his first season with the Austrian manufacturer.
During the MotoGP event in Portugal, Pol Espargaro had once again assumed the interim role for Casa Particular in ViñalesBut the official confirmation has now arrived: the Catalan will take the handlebars of the RC16 for the last two races of the season, as well as for the post-GP test session scheduled for the following Tuesday in Valencia.
It is Hervé Poncharal, the boss of Tech3, who had already laid the groundwork last week in the columns of speedweek :
« Of course, it would have been great to see Maverick back in the saddle in Portugal. But after discussions with KTM, there is absolutely no possibility of compromise regarding his participation. And since nothing is 100% certain yet, it doesn't make sense. The objective is clear: to give Maverick an extra week of preparation, then get him back on track for the final race in Valencia. »
« The plan is for him to be in top form for the races and the upcoming tests in Valencia. »
A clear message, confirmed this weekend by KTM et Tech3 on their official networks: the “Top Gun” is ready to take back control.
KTM is banking on a strong comeback from Maverick Viñales
For KTMThis return is strategic. Casa Particular in Viñales He only competed in 26 of the 42 races of the 2025 season, a long absence that hampered his adaptation to the RC16. Yet, his performances at the start of the season had shown good progress and a promising level of consistency.
Since his withdrawal at the Sachsenring, KTM He preferred to focus on a full recovery rather than risk a relapse. And the result is clear: the Spaniard will return on an updated bike, identical to that of the factory riders, with the best technical components available for post-season testing.
Currently 17th in the league, Casa Particular in Viñales knows that his position reflects neither his talent nor the potential of the KTM Tech3The sixteen missed races weigh heavily, but Valencia could offer him a psychological springboard to approach 2026 with positive momentum.
The team Tech3 will thus field its four official drivers at ValenciaThis is the first time since mid-season. An ideal setup to gather crucial data before the technical shift in 2027.
With the return of Viñales, KTM finds a major asset in his system. The Catalan, known for his fluid style and methodical approach to development, now has a clear mission: to regain confidence and prepare the RC16 of tomorrow.
Valencia will therefore be much more than just a final: it will be the starting point for the reconstruction of Maverick Vinales in KTMa project that Tech3 and the engineers in Mattighofen want to bring it to maturity as early as next season.
