Vinales has called it a day with KTM and MotoGP: “I’m done!”

2025 proved to be an extreme year of mixed emotions for KTM’s new signing. After just a short time in the saddle of the RC16, the Spaniard gained confidence in the Upper Austrian-built machine. At the fourth Grand Prix of the year in the Qatari desert, everything came together – except for the front tyre pressure. Viñales raced through the field, even overtaking Marc Márquez. However, following a minor riding error, he had to settle for a motivating second place, even though this was later converted to 14th place following a time penalty for the aforementioned reason. Further top finishes followed, such as fourth place at Jerez – Viñales had taken the lead in terms of pace within the KTM camp.

But the tide turned with the crash at the Sachsenring, in which Viñales injured his left shoulder. It has long been clear that the minor riding error in the wet qualifying session cost Viñales the chance to become the first MotoGP rider ever to win for four different manufacturers – and, ultimately, his MotoGP career. Despite several attempts at a comeback, with no time pressure and excellent rehabilitation conditions, ‘Top Gun’ Viñales is still struggling to regain his form. Out of the eleven races in which Viñales competed, he scored ten World Championship points. Far too few in the midst of the turbulent transition to the 2027 season with new 850cc racing bikes.

Whilst Viñales had spoken in vague terms about his MotoGP future during the last few races, the 31-year-old’s words were unambiguous. Speaking to the international media, Viñales let off steam and linked his current performance to his manufacturer’s behaviour: “If the atmosphere with KTM were better, then perhaps I’d ride through the pain, but as things stand, I can’t and won’t do that. When my shoulder starts to hurt, I give in. Nevertheless, I’m working on it and improving in small steps, and I hope to be fully fit by the end of the year.”

Vinales auf der KTM RC16: WM-Rang 22

Foto: Gold and Goose

The situation became even clearer. Viñales continued: “I’m no longer speaking to KTM at the moment. After Barcelona, it was clear to me that Fabio Di Giannantonio was taking the place at KTM that was meant to be mine. I did then get a contract around the time of the Mugello race and signed it. I didn’t feel comfortable, but I believed in the project’s engineers and thought that, in the end, I’d benefit from it. But after two weeks, it was declared invalid. That’s not my style – since then, it’s been clear that I don’t want to be there any more.”

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The frustrated Spaniard himself confirmed just how hopeless the situation is: “I’m done with it. I don’t need that. I love racing – and I want to keep racing. But there’s another world out there too. I watched Jack (Miller)’s performance at the Suzuka 8 Hours with interest. Something like that would appeal to me too. You can’t lump everything together. Right now, the matter is settled as far as I’m concerned – but I’ll carry on.”