Maverick Viñales is on the road to recovery following a successful surgical procedure to address a lingering shoulder issue. The Tech3 KTM rider underwent surgery in Europe earlier this week to remove a problematic screw from his left shoulder, which had been causing him persistent pain and limited strength since his accident at the German MotoGP last July.
Despite taking time off during the winter break, Viñales continued to experience discomfort and struggled to return to peak form during the latter part of last season. After recent complications following the Brazilian round and further medical evaluation, doctors identified a displaced screw as the source of his ongoing issues.
Viñales subsequently withdrew from the US Grand Prix after Free Practice 1 and returned to Europe for surgery. He shared updates and images of the procedure on social media, expressing gratitude to the medical team: “Well… that already feels better. The screw is out and surgery went well. Big thanks to Dr Porcellini, Dr Padolino and Dr Giorgini for taking care of me. Now it’s time to focus on recovery and come back at 100%. Comeback loading.”
With the postponement of the Qatar round, Viñales has additional time to recuperate ahead of the Spanish MotoGP at Jerez at the end of the month. While doctors have indicated that the operation was minor, involving only the removal of the screw and healing of tissue, Viñales emphasized a cautious approach to his return: “They say it’s not a major operation, just removing the screw and letting the tissue heal. Two weeks and then start training hard. But I prefer to be more conservative, so I will come back when I feel 100%, and I can ride at my level. Otherwise, there is no point.”
In Viñales’ absence, his team-mate Enea Bastianini delivered a strong performance, earning Tech3’s first podium of the season after being promoted to third in the COTA Sprint due to a tyre pressure penalty for Pedro Acosta. Viñales, who experienced a similar penalty that cost him a podium in last year’s Qatar round, has managed to score points only once since his shoulder injury.
Viñales and his team remain focused on full recovery, with a return to racing set only when he is confident in his fitness and performance.
