Maverick Viñales has delivered a remarkable performance at the recent MotoGP test in Sepang, signaling a strong comeback driven by the expertise of three-time champion Jorge Lorenzo. This resurgence highlights Viñales’ renewed determination to overcome previous setbacks, as he aggressively worked through a demanding training routine crafted by Lorenzo.
Morning Struggles Followed by Afternoon Surge on the Circuit
The day began with a challenging morning session where Viñales completed 33 laps, posting a time of 1:59.095 that placed him 16th on the leaderboard. However, his performance dramatically improved in the afternoon, as he logged 28 more laps and recorded an impressive 1:57.295. This timing narrowly trailed notable competitors like Marc Márquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio, reflecting Viñales’ growing pace and competitiveness.
Viñales Shares Confidence in His Recovery and Bike Improvements
Speaking about his comeback, Viñales described his initial feelings on the bike as “fantastic,” underscoring a return from the shoulder injury that affected his last season. He noted,
“I spent most of the day on medium tires, which aren’t exactly optimal for fast lap times, but the feedback was promising. Once I switched to softs, I quickly climbed the leaderboard.”
Viñales also expressed optimism about the technical updates to his bike, highlighting new aerodynamic parts and a revised swingarm aimed at addressing issues from the previous year.
“Every little change we make is a step forward in overcoming last year’s challenges. There’s still room for improvement, but I’m optimistic,”
he said, signaling his positive outlook despite remaining hurdles.
Full Recovery from Shoulder Injury Bolsters Viñales’ Performance
The rider confirmed that his shoulder injury is no longer a limiting factor.
“My shoulder feels great! I didn’t experience any pain throughout the day, and I feel a significant increase in strength for braking, cornering, and turning,”
Viñales revealed.
“I’m not just back; I’m stronger than before.”
This physical comeback has clearly enhanced his confidence and capabilities on the track.
Guided Winter Training Translates into Strong Test Day Showing
The intense preparation under Jorge Lorenzo’s supervision during the off-season played a major role in Viñales’ improved form. He remarked,
“The conditions Lorenzo put me through this winter were so tough that riding today felt fantastic. I had a lot of traction and was able to push harder than ever,”
illustrating how rigorous training translated into better control and faster laps.
Continued Focus on Precision and Bike Tuning
Viñales remains determined to refine his skills and the bike’s performance further, emphasizing attention to specific aspects such as braking, throttle control, and tire management. He noted,
“We’re focusing on the details—precision, braking, throttle control, and tire management. There’s always room for improvement,”
showing his commitment to ongoing development.
Anticipation Builds for Upcoming Testing Phases and the Season Ahead
Looking forward, Viñales is eager to continue progress with new components and chassis updates in testing sessions. He shared,
“Tomorrow, we’ll be adding new elements to the bike, including testing a different chassis and various 2026 components. I’m thrilled with KTM’s progress in addressing the bike’s weaknesses, especially the vibrations that plagued the RC 16,”
hinting at promising advancements.
With Jorge Lorenzo closely involved both in the pit and on track, Viñales is poised for a revitalized season, ready to challenge his rivals and chase podium finishes. The racing world watches intently to see if this resurgence leads to Viñales achieving the top results his talent promises.
