At the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Hervé Poncharal, the seasoned manager of Red Bull KTM Tech3, is closely monitoring the much-anticipated Maverick Viñales MotoGP comeback after a painful shoulder injury sustained at the German Grand Prix. This injury has significantly impacted Viñales’ season, forcing him out of several races and pushing him down to 14th in the championship standings.
Viñales’ hoped-for return at Spielberg was halted when a medical check following Q1 revealed a fracture, keeping him sidelined despite his strong desire to race. Nonetheless, Poncharal expressed cautious optimism about Viñales’ participation, stating,
Maverick will at least ride in the free practice session on Friday morning,
—Hervé Poncharal, Team Manager. Recent tests on a production bike generated encouraging feedback, with Viñales admitting,
I was pleasantly surprised because I expected more discomfort.
—Maverick Viñales, Rider. Still, he faces ongoing physical challenges that limit his strength and range of motion.
Team’s Strategy for Barcelona and Rider Readiness
Although Viñales is not yet back to full fitness due to his inability to train properly after his accident, Poncharal remains hopeful that he can race through the weekend.
He’s not at 100% due to his limited training after the fall in Germany, but he’s aiming to race throughout the weekend,
—Hervé Poncharal. As a precaution, Pol Espargaró stays prepared as a potential substitute should Viñales be unable to compete.
Meanwhile, Enea Bastianini, Tech3’s other rider who finished third in last year’s MotoGP World Championship, has faced his own hurdles adapting to the KTM RC16. However, his impressive third-place finish in the Sprint race at Brno signals significant progress. Poncharal reflected on Bastianini’s dramatic improvement, noting,
It’s difficult to explain why Enea made such a leap in Brno.
—Hervé Poncharal. The young Italian rider’s hospital stay after the Sachsenring GP seemed to fuel a renewed determination to master his bike.
During his recovery, he decided to start fresh and declared, ‘This is my bike!’
—Hervé Poncharal. Since then, Bastianini has demonstrated increased speed and consistency in recent races.
Challenges and Opportunities at Montmeló
As Tech3 prepares for the Barcelona round, Poncharal acknowledges that the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has historically been difficult for the team, particularly due to its low grip levels.
Historically, this circuit hasn’t favored us due to its low grip,
—Hervé Poncharal. Even so, both Viñales and Bastianini are approaching the race with focus and confidence, with the team hoping that Bastianini can qualify directly to Q2, which would boost their chances considerably.
Long-Term Vision for Tech3 and Partnership Talks
Looking beyond the current season, Poncharal remains unshaken by rumors about Tech3’s future as they approach the end of existing contracts. Although no agreements have been finalized for the 2027-2031 period, he reassures that KTM’s commitment through 2026 is secure.
There are no concerns about KTM’s commitment for 2026.
—Hervé Poncharal. The team’s contract is active, and KTM has promised to support two MotoGP teams through that duration.
In a notable development, Poncharal is engaged in ongoing discussions with former Formula 1 team principal Günther Steiner and U.S.-based investment group APEX about acquiring shares in Tech3.
We continue discussions. The plan remains unchanged,
—Hervé Poncharal. These collaborations aim to prepare Tech3 for independent operations by 2027, giving the team greater autonomy and the potential to expand its presence on the grid.
Upcoming Race Weekend and the Future of Tech3
As the MotoGP season enters one of its most decisive stages at Montmeló, attention will center on whether Maverick Viñales can overcome his physical setbacks to produce a strong comeback performance. Enea Bastianini’s momentum adds another layer of excitement as Tech3 strives to impress under difficult conditions. The outcomes of the Barcelona round could significantly influence the team’s trajectory ahead of their ambitious 2027 plans, making this weekend a critical moment for Red Bull KTM Tech3 in the fiercely competitive world of MotoGP.
