Maverick Viñales’ move to the Tech3 KTM team for the 2025 MotoGP season marks a significant shift in his career. After a rollercoaster tenure with Aprilia, where he achieved a major milestone by becoming the first rider to win on three different brands in 2024, Viñales has opted for a new challenge with the KTM project. This move has surprised many, as it comes amid speculation that he would continue alongside new teammate Jorge Martín at Aprilia. However, Viñales cited his instinct and the underwhelming consistency of his performances post-Austin as pivotal factors in his decision.
Tech3 KTM, which will align closely with the factory KTM team in 2025, aims to create a competitive, podium-contending lineup. With Viñales’ extensive experience and race-winning capabilities on multiple bikes, alongside Enea Bastianini, this new duo adds significant firepower to the satellite team. The goal for Tech3 is clear: to challenge for podiums consistently and ultimately fight for championships.
Viñales’ decision also reflects the growing potential of KTM in the MotoGP landscape. With KTM’s performance steadily improving, particularly with standout riders like Brad Binder and Pedro Acosta, Viñales sees a brighter future with the team. His move is a gamble on a project he believes offers the best long-term potential.
This change brings new dynamics to the 2025 season, with Viñales and Bastianini both stepping into a well-supported, factory-backed setup, ready to take the fight to the leading teams in the sport.
Maverick Viñales reflects on KTM Debut after Post-Season Test in Barcelona 2024, more top speed than aprili
After stints with Suzuki, Yamaha, and Aprilia, Maverick Viñales is set to race for his fourth brand, joining the Tech3 KTM team for the 2025 MotoGP season.
Viñales had his first experience aboard the KTM during the post-season test in Barcelona. Following the session, he shared his thoughts on the bike, highlighting its impressive top speed compared to the Aprilia.
**”I started the day with no expectations and we hadn’t done much testing. I took over the bike with Pedro Acosta’s setup, got on it and set off. I have to get rid of habits from my old motorbike. I don’t see any problems at the moment, but I haven’t tested the limits of the bike yet either. The way I can accelerate out of corners suits my riding style well. **
**What I still have problems with is going through fast corners. I first have to get to the limit to understand what the bike still needs to improve. I exchanged ideas with Dani Pedrosa and Pol Espargaro to learn how to handle the bike. That was an important experience.**
**What is already better than with Aprilia? The top speed! I did three test starts and now I understand why we always lost so many positions at the starts at Aprilia! The collaboration with the mechanics is very informal. We can form a strong group.”**
Source:
https://www.speedweek.com/motogp/news/229991/Nach-Starts-mit-KTM-RC16-Ploetzliches-Aha-fuer-Vinales.html
