Jorge Lorenzo warns Maverick Viñales: time is running out

Maverick Viñales is looking to revive his MotoGP career with the help of five-time world champion Jorge Lorenzo. The two Spanish riders are working together to bring out all the talent in Viñales, who wants to prove he can still compete at the highest level.

Viñales now rides with KTM Tech3 and aims to get an official seat in 2027 after showing very positive signs in the first part of the 2025 season, interrupted, however, by a serious injury after a crash in Germany. Jorge Lorenzo told motogp.com that he has noticed Viñales since he was eight years old, and recalled that since he was a child everyone said he hated to lose and showed uncommon talent.

According to Lorenzo, Viñales’ return to the best levels also comes from regaining the instincts that had diminished in recent years: “One way or another, I think in the last five or six years he has lost that motivation or that hunger for victory” said the five-time world champion. “He understands that the next two or three years could be his last chance”.

Lorenzo also said, “This year the goal is to be the best KTM on the grid”. The challenge will be tough, especially with Pedro Acosta now on the ramp toward a contract with Ducati Lenovo in 2027, but Viñales seems determined to give it his all. In interviews he appears more mature and focused, aware that each race must be approached with perseverance and without getting carried away by initial enthusiasm.

The season about to begin could be the real test for Viñales, a chance to show talent, strength and motivation before the time to compete at the highest level runs out. In 2017 he was able to put Marc Marquez in trouble and was considered the champion’s main rival, and now everyone wonders if he will be able to return to those levels.