From Autosport · Oriol Puigdemont · · 1m 10s
Vinales: If I stay at home, I don’t get paid
MotoGP rider Vinales races despite shoulder injury, claiming KTM won't pay him if he skips races.
In brief
MotoGP rider Vinales races despite shoulder injury, claiming KTM won't pay him if he skips races. MotoGP rider Maverick Vinales races in Australia despite a shoulder injury, stating he won't get paid if he doesn't compete. Originally reported by Autosport.
Vinales' shoulder injury
Maverick Vinales has a left shoulder injury from a 2025 crash at Sachsenring that caused a dislocated shoulder and fracture.
Injury recovery timeline
Vinales had two surgeries: one to insert a plate in the US GP and another to remove it after a year.
Current racing status
Vinales is the lowest-placed full-time rider with six points and missed seven rounds, costing him next year's grid spot.
Australian GP challenge
Vinales struggles at Phillip Island with pain and restricted movement, retiring on lap seven due to shoulder issues.
Contract terms
Vinales' KTM contract allows missing three races before salary deductions begin.
Vinales' quote
For me, racing like this makes no sense because I’m the first one who doesn’t want to be running at the back, and if I stay at home, I don’t get paid.
“For me, racing like this makes no sense, because I’m the first one who doesn't want to be running at the back, and because I’m having a really hard time. My shoulder hurts, but if I stay at home, I don’t get paid”
The essence
MotoGP rider Maverick Vinales races in Australia despite a shoulder injury, stating he won't get paid if he doesn't compete.
