Tech3 KTM rider Maverick Vinales will prolong his absence from racing by at least another two races as he struggles to recover from the injuries sustained in his crash at last month’s German Grand Prix.
Having already missed the Czech Grand Prix a week after the Sachsenring accident, Vinales returned to riding his MotoGP bike at this weekend’s Austrian GP. But despite practicing on Friday and managing to set a Saturday qualifying time to earn the last spot on the grid, the Tech3 man decided that he would need more time to recover before taking on a race distance.
He thus withdrew from the remainder of the weekend, including the sprint and grand prix.
Vinales spoke to media following the sprint, explaining the decision and confirming that he would also miss next weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix.
“The main concern is safety, especially if I have a crash,” said the 30-year-old. “Maybe I could ride – it’s not impossible – but the main concern from the doctor is that if I have a crash, everything is going to be much worse.
“I’ll definitely skip Hungary, and we’ll see about [the following race in] Barcelona. But it’s going to be difficult.
“I pushed hard to try to get to Austria and get back on the bike, but now I’m going to take it a little more calmly and let my shoulder really recover.”
Maverick Vinales, Red Bull KTM Tech 3
Photo by: Rob Gray / Polarity Photo
Vinales said it had been helpful to ride at the Red Bull Ring, if only to understand where his focus should lie in the coming weeks.
“Getting back on the bike hasn’t affected me beyond learning what I need to improve to be able to ride again: mobility and strength.
“Without a doubt [it has been worth it]. Especially to understand where I am. 30 days after the operation, it’s almost a miracle to be able to ride a MotoGP bike, especially given the type of injury I have, where the doctors say you need two to three months to start doing things.
“It has also helped me realise that I have to give myself time, because it’s not going to be easy. Both yesterday and today I saw where I am with the injury.”
While Vinales was never likely to achieve a good result at the Red Bull Ring given the state of his fitness, the other three KTM riders have been enjoying a good weekend in Austria. Lead factory rider Pedro Acosta grabbed an encouraging third place in the sprint.
This follows a handy aero update, which Acosta praised after trying it for the first time on Friday.
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