Vinales evaluates MotoGP comeback: Is he fit enough again now?

– After his comeback weekend in Barcelona, Maverick Vinales is already looking ahead with growing optimism. The KTM-Tech3 rider drew a positive conclusion after the Grand Prix and the subsequent Monday test, especially with regard to his shoulder injury.

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This had put him out of action several times in recent weeks and required another surgery after a screw in the injured left shoulder area had come loose. As a result, he missed the races in Jerez and Le Mans, among others. It was only in Barcelona that Vinales returned to the MotoGP routine.

Accordingly, after three intense days on the KTM RC16 and the subsequent test, he closely monitored his physical condition. “Actually, it was good. I am quite happy that I didn’t have any strange feelings or lose strength over the days,” Vinales explained afterwards.

For him, this was “a very positive sign” because it showed “that we are on the right path to recovery with the shoulder.” Therefore, the Barcelona test was not only about the technology for him but also a personal endurance test.

Progress in fitness and on the motorcycle

When asked whether he tested himself more than the motorcycle, Vinales answered clearly: “Yes, definitely.” Nevertheless, KTM was able to gather important insights. Among other things, Vinales worked with a new aerodynamic fairing that had already been tested in Jerez.

In addition, the team tried changes to the setup. “We tested some positive things that we will take with us after Mugello, especially in the tuning. That gave me a much better feeling at the front,” he said. This could be crucial, especially for the fast sections in Mugello.

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The new fairing also brought improvements: “The fairing has also improved a bit.” Whether the update can already be used in Mugello is still open. “I don’t know if I will have it there yet, but the guys at the factory are working very hard to make it happen.”

Photo gallery: The career highlights of Maverick Vinales

Overall, Vinales reported that he is increasingly regaining confidence on the motorcycle. After the long weeks of rehab, the feeling for the KTM seems to be slowly stabilizing. “Every time I go out, it gets a little easier for me to do fast lap times,” the Spaniard explained.

What Vinales still misses the most

Physically, the Tech3 rider is not yet completely satisfied. Especially in qualifying, he currently still lacks “some strength,” Vinales admitted openly. At the same time, he made it clear that he does not see this as a long-term problem: “But I don’t think it will take long. It’s simply a matter of hard work.”

The plan until Mugello is therefore clearly structured. After some rest, the strength training will be intensified. Additionally, Vinales wants to ride motocross again to specifically strengthen the forearm. Superbike sessions are also on the program to further build rhythm on the motorcycle.

After difficult months, Vinales can at least cautiously give the all-clear. Barcelona was the first real step back towards his old strength for the returnee. How fit he really is will only be revealed in Mugello.

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