Maverick Vinales has fallen short of expectations for him after a tough pre-season testing schedule, and fingers are being pointed at his performance coach and three-time MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo.
Ahead of the 2026 MotoGP season-opener in Thailand, KTM insiders were under the impression that Maverick Vinales would drop Pedro Acosta. As the Austrian developer leader.
After the last checkered flag fell at Buriram, their predictions couldn’t have been more off the mark.
Acosta He recorded the most profitable weekend of his career in the premier class, scoring a sprint race victory and a Grand Prix podium to lead the MotoGP ranks. Vinyls Tired out of points paying classes.
Tell the order of the KTM riders in the 2026 MotoGP rankings
Livio Suppo says Jorge Lorenzo Maverick Vinales’ ‘healing’ is simply not working.
In a recent interview Engine footprintFormer MotoGP team boss Livio Suppo’s response when asked who was the biggest disappointment at the season opener Tech3 Horseman
“Despite thousands of hours of winter training and Jorge Lorenzo’s help, he had a disappointing weekend,” said Livio. “I hope he recovers quickly because he is falling more than expected.”
“He was the first to go fast with KTM in 2025. Maverick has been around for many years and for many years he alternated between very good and poor performances. For now George’s cure is not working.”
Can Jorge Lorenzo bring back the ‘killer’ in Maverick Vinales in 2026?
Top Gun was angry with his own performance in Buriram, and he made it clear There was ‘nothing’ Lorenzo could do to help him In the circumstances.
rather than Vinales is hoping to beat Acosta by jumping on the same bike. As for the next round in Brazil.
It remains to be seen whether this has resulted in an improvement in results for the Spaniard, but it is a natural step to see if Acosta can match Buriram’s impressive results or if he continues to fall apart.
Enea Bastianini pointed out how KTM supports Acosta With the RC16’s development trajectory, the Spaniard may therefore suffer from being forced to compete on a bike not designed for his particular riding style.
Maverick Vinales may have scored high in securing a factory KTM seat for 2027.
Although Acosta’s move to Ducati has been officially confirmed, Vinales seems to be KTM’s priority to upgrade KTM to the factory KTM team Instead of the young Murcian.
Alex Marquez is expected to partner with VinalesBut signing the deal early could be a masterpiece from the experienced Spaniard.
Of course, KTM may be able to figure out some kind of exit deal for Vinales if they are completely against the idea of ​​him taking a seat in the factory team next year, especially if his results continue to disappoint the top brass in Matthijhofen.
There are still 21 rounds to go, so he has plenty of time to show his new team why they made the right decision to sign him with the vast array of talent that won’t find a place in the competition next year.
Receive competition news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
