Maverick Vinales says KTM will be solely responsible if he is forced out of MotoGP next season, after the Italian manufacturer failed to explain its plans and squeezed his options.
Contracting Turmoil in the 850cc Era
The 10‑time Grand Prix champion remains in a fog about his next year, with KTM’s binding clause keeping him under contract until the end of June. While most teams have already stamped out their squads for the 2027 season, Vinales believes the lack of transparency from KTM leaves him cornered.
Fault Line: Factory Team Promises Unfulfilled
According to Vinales, KTM had originally announced a move to the factory squad. “If they already knew I wouldn’t be joining the factory team, they should have just let me go,” he told reporters at Assen. The rider claims he was never offered a seat elsewhere, and “the only person to blame will be KTM.”
Pirelli Test Shock: Exclusion from 850cc Trial
After the Czech Grand Prix, Pirelli organized a special 850cc ride‑test, inviting two riders from each manufacturer. KTM chose Ducati‑bound Pedro Acosta and a pairing of Pol Espargaro and Dani Pedrosa, leaving Vinales out entirely. He says the omission was a clear sign that he would not be retained next year.
“I found out from the press that Pedro Acosta would be testing it,” Vinales said. “They kept me in the dark for two weeks about whether I’d get a chance, and when I finally learned that another rider would test the bike, the message was clear.”
Looking Ahead: Responsibility and Possibilities
Vinales notes physical fitness issues but insists that “if I do end up in the world championship, it’ll be because of one party—KTM.” His comment reflects a broader uncertainty among riders as the grid fills and the 850cc era begins. Whether Vinales remains in MotoGP hinges on whether KTM lifts its contractual hold or allows him to secure a seat elsewhere.
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