If there is one thing KTM’s MotoGP history has made clear, it is that handling rider relationships has not always been the company’s strongest point. Johann Zarco, Raul Fernandez and Remy Gardner have all endured difficult departures from the Austrian brand after lengthy battles to secure their releases.
After switching from the Aprilia factory to KTM’s satellite Tech3 team for the 2025 season, Vinales now finds himself in a similarly uncertain position. A clause in his contract prevents him from signing with another team until the end of this month. KTM has until then to decide whether to exercise its option to extend his stay at Tech3 for a third season or release him entirely.
Should the latter happen, the Spaniard could find himself without a place on the 2027 MotoGP grid, given how quickly the rider market has moved and how few seats remain available.
Speaking at Brno, where he continues to recover from the shoulder injury that has hampered him ever since his accident at the German Grand Prix last summer, Vinales did not hide his frustration when asked about the uncertainty surrounding his future.
“I’ve always shown my loyalty to KTM,” Vinales said. “During the winter, I was told I was in the factory team. Then at Tech3. And now I don’t even know where I stand.