Maverick Vinales Halts Practice at 2025 Austria MotoGP

Maverick Vinales returned to action at the 2025 Austrian Grand Prix after missing Brno due to shoulder surgery following a Sachsenring crash. The Red Bull KTM Tech3 rider completed 16 laps in Free Practice 1 (FP1) and just six in the afternoon session before stopping due to shoulder stiffness. With a Saturday decision pending “when I wake up,” Vinales prioritizes recovery at Red Bull Ring. Can he push forward and compete?

Five weeks post-surgery, Vinales approached Austria with the goal of testing his physical condition rather than chasing lap times. In FP1, he recorded a 1:30.683, trailing Marc Marquez by 1.3 seconds. Afternoon practice saw increased shoulder rigidity, making it tough to stay tucked in on the main straight. “The morning was okay, but the afternoon got harder with less mobility, so we stopped,” he said, per Crash.net. He used an ice pack in the pits to manage discomfort.

Vinales will decide on Saturday’s participation based on his shoulder’s condition upon waking. “I’ll see how I feel tomorrow morning. Listening to my body is crucial,” he said. While his base speed is intact, full fitness remains the goal. “Every lap brings me closer to 100 percent,” he added. Stiffness from labrum stitches poses a major challenge, particularly on a high-speed track like Red Bull Ring, where aerodynamics are key.

Teammate Enea Bastianini finished 11th, narrowly missing Qualifying 2, while Pedro Acosta led KTM in second. Bastianini praised KTM’s new fairing, noting improved performance despite front-end struggles in hotter conditions. Vinales plans to test these upgrades on Saturday if his condition allows. Analysis suggests KTM’s enhancements could aid Vinales in the midfield if he’s fit, but Ducati’s dominance and Acosta’s form add pressure.

Vinales’ cautious approach reflects a smart balance between recovery and racing ambition. If his shoulder mobility improves, KTM’s upgrades could elevate his performance. However, with fierce competition, his Saturday morning assessment will be pivotal for his race prospects. Can Maverick Vinales overcome his injury and contend at Red Bull Ring?