Maverick Vinales will return to action at this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix after a three-month hiatus due to injury, Tech3 KTM has announced ahead of the 16th round of the 2026 MotoGP season.
The Spanish rider has finally received full clearance from doctors to fly to Japan and make his highly anticipated competitive return at Motegi after missing seven races across two separate spells this year.
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SubscribeThe 10-time grand prix winner had already completed several laps on the KTM RC16 in last week's Pirelli test at the Red Bull Ring to properly prepare for his long-awaited comeback.
"I am really happy to finally say that I am coming back to racing. The last few months have been a long process, and I have worked hard every day to get to this point," Vinales stated regarding his recovery.
Tech3 Team Manager Welcomes Back Star Rider
"I am not at 100% yet, but I am on the right path, and I feel ready to take this next step. Motegi will be about building things up step by step," he added concerning his physical readiness.
Vinales has been battling for fitness ever since he originally broke his shoulder during a qualifying session at the Sachsenring, leading to corrective operations and extended rehabilitation.
Tech3 KTM team manager Nicolas Goyon expressed enthusiasm about having their full rider line-up back together for the crucial upcoming race weekend in Japan.
"Since the beginning of this process, our priority has been to support his recovery and make sure that he returned when he was ready, rather than rushing the process," said Goyon.