Maverick Vinales, after a challenging off-season for KTM marked by financial setbacks and a lack of progress with the RC16, stood out as a beacon of hope for his MotoGP team at the start of 2025. The Spaniard’s performance in Qatar highlighted his capabilities, as he crossed the finish line in a podium position before a post-race tyre pressure infringement cost him the result. Vinales’ approach to setting up the KTM bike became a template for his peers, including Pedro Acosta, enabling them to improve their own performances. This surge in team form gave KTM fans optimism during a period of company uncertainty.
The Impact of Vinales’ Crash and Shoulder Injury
A major setback occurred for KTM when Vinales crashed during the German Grand Prix, sustaining a complex shoulder injury. This incident abruptly ended his campaign and left KTM without their strongest performer for much of the latter half of the season. Pedro Acosta, following Vinales’ technical direction, managed to secure regular podium positions after the mid-point, but team owner Herve Poncharal reflected on the influence Vinales could have had on the overall team fortunes.
“I don’t want to play too much ‘if, if, if’ and say things that will never happen,”
Poncharal, team owner
Poncharal explained that while speculation over “what might have been” is unhelpful, Vinales’ self-assurance and strong performances before the injury offered genuine hope. According to Poncharal, the Spaniard felt particularly competitive from the USA round onwards, with mounting expectations to claim race victories before his season was derailed by injury. The anticipated quick recovery did not materialize, turning a seemingly minor setback into a lingering issue and forcing Vinales off the grid for the remainder of the season.
Acosta’s Podium Performances and the Team’s Missed Opportunities
Despite Vinales’ absence, Pedro Acosta evolved into a frequent podium contender throughout the season’s closing stages. Yet, Poncharal commented on the dynamic that could have existed with both riders at full strength, expressing disappointment regarding what might have been achieved together.
“We never doubted that Pedro would catch back, but I think he and Pedro would have pushed each other, and we could have had a much better KTM result overall.”
Poncharal, team owner
The KTM team ultimately finished the season without a single race win, extending its winless run to three consecutive campaigns. The absence of Vinales, once the squad’s lead rider, was keenly felt as missed opportunities for victories lingered in the minds of team members and supporters alike.
Changes in Team Leadership and the Path Ahead
In parallel with KTM’s on-track struggles, significant changes unfolded behind the scenes. Herve Poncharal, the long-serving Tech3 MotoGP team owner, completed the sale of his outfit to a group headed by former Haas Formula 1 boss Guenther Steiner. As a result, Poncharal will transition to a consultancy role in 2026, assisting with the management handover under the new ownership. These developments set the stage for a new era within the KTM structure as the team seeks to recover momentum and put the challenges of this season behind them.
The story of Maverick Vinales’ injury and its ripple effects illustrates both the unpredictability of motorsport and the importance of a strong, healthy lead rider for any team’s aspirations. KTM’s focus now shifts to rebuilding, learning from setbacks and integrating new leadership in their pursuit of a return to winning form in MotoGP.
