KTM has expressed its confidence in Maverick Vinales after a complicated start to the season for the Spanish rider. Despite the anticipated difficulties due to an injury, the team hopes Vinales can bounce back and take on an important role alongside Pedro Acosta.
Vinales had to withdraw from the United States Grand Prix last month due to intense pain caused by a screw that was supposed to keep his shoulder in place but had shifted. This situation arose at a time when Vinales was struggling to find his rhythm following an accident at the GP of Germany.
KTM’s sporting director, Pit Beirer, believes that Vinales has been unfortunate so far, but remains hopeful that he can return to the form he showed before his injury. “Since he came back, we have been constantly discussing his shoulder issues, and that has frustrated us,” declares Beirer, highlighting that Vinales’ recovery has been full of ups and downs.
Originally, KTM had planned to promote Vinales to the factory team for the 2027 season, counting on him as one of the pillars of their future. However, after disappointing results in the early races, the team has requested more time before confirming long-term plans.
Beirer acknowledges that the brand cannot be happy with the results of three of its four riders, but reaffirms his belief in Vinales: “We believe in him and want him to come back to show us that he can be our ‘second leader'”.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
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