During the first pre-season test of the 2026 MotoGP season held this week at Sepang, former world champion Jorge Lorenzo appeared trackside to assist Tech3 rider Maverick Vinales. Lorenzo, a three-time MotoGP champion, agreed last November to become Vinales’ performance coach, helping him recover after a difficult 2025 season scarred by injury.
After signing a two-year factory KTM deal in 2025, Vinales showed early promise aboard the KTM RC16. However, his progress was derailed when he suffered a broken shoulder in a highside accident during qualifying at the German Grand Prix. Returning to racing prematurely, he ultimately missed eight Grands Prix from rounds 11 to 21 due to the injury.
At the 2026 Sepang test, Vinales appeared to have put his injury issues behind him, displaying strong pace once again on the RC16. His comeback performance has sparked a growing rivalry with fellow KTM rider Pedro Acosta, intensifying the competitive atmosphere within the team.
Signs of Rivalry Surface Between Pedro Acosta and Maverick Vinales
Both Pedro Acosta, KTM’s factory star, and Maverick Vinales, riding for Tech3, finished close together in the Sepang test timing sheets, placing eighth and ninth with respective best laps of 1:57.116 and 1:57.126. Despite this apparent equality on the track, tensions were reported behind the scenes during the Malaysian test.
Jorge Lorenzo, closely involved in Vinales’ development, observed friction between the two riders as Acosta appears concerned about Vinales’ improving form, boosted by Lorenzo’s coaching. Rumors suggest Vinales is poised to replace Acosta in KTM’s main team in 2027, further deepening the rivalry.
“There’s tension because they see that they are at a similar level,”
Jorge Lorenzo told Duralavita.
“I suppose Pedro is aware that Maverick will have my help and will become stronger, and Maverick has a lot of respect for Pedro.
So, there’s tension. The relationship isn’t the same. I mean, Maverick does not have the same relationship with [Brad] Binder and [Enea] Bastianini as he does with Pedro. There’s a bit more tension with Pedro, as is to be expected.”
KTM’s Strategy to Replace Pedro Acosta with Maverick Vinales
KTM is reportedly planning to promote Maverick Vinales from the Tech3 satellite team to their factory squad in 2027, reflecting growing doubts about Pedro Acosta’s future with KTM. Negotiations for Acosta’s contract renewal have stalled, with multiple sources linking him to a potential move to Ducati next season.
This strategic move by KTM has only added to the intensity between Vinales and Acosta as they compete for the title of top KTM rider in 2026. Both riders are motivated to prove themselves: Vinales aiming to show he can fill Acosta’s shoes, and Acosta determined to demonstrate his supremacy before any team changes take place.
Comparing 2025 Season Performances: Acosta and Vinales on KTM
Through the first 10 rounds of the 2025 season, Pedro Acosta and Maverick Vinales led KTM’s riders with 98 and 69 points respectively. However, Vinales’ shoulder injury in round 11 curtailed his campaign, allowing Acosta to strengthen his position.
The 2025 season marked Acosta’s second year riding the KTM RC16, whereas it was Vinales’ debut season with the bike. Despite limited time on the podium, Acosta secured his first Grand Prix podium of the year at the Czech GP in round 12. Vinales came close earlier at the Qatar GP during round four but was stripped of his second-place finish due to a tire pressure violation, with Acosta finishing eighth in that race.
Rivalry’s Effect on 2026 Season and KTM’s Future
The ongoing challenge between Vinales and Acosta highlights a significant storyline within KTM’s 2026 campaign. Both riders are determined to assert their dominance, with Acosta defending his place as factory team leader and Vinales keen to showcase his progression under Jorge Lorenzo’s guidance.
This rivalry will likely influence team dynamics and decisions going forward, especially as KTM prepares for the possible transition in their rider lineup for 2027. Fans and observers will be closely watching how this competition develops across the upcoming races, with implications for KTM’s performance and strategy.
