On Thursday, KTM and Maverick Vinales caused a real MotoGP surprise. The Aprilia rider’s move to the Austrians came out of nowhere. After fluctuating performances with Suzuki, Yamaha and Aprilia, Vinales will now be joining the fourth MotoGP manufacturer. The fact that ‘Topgun’ is considered a difficult character in the MotoGP paddock who can only rarely make use of his talent does not bother Pit Beirer. In fact, he knows how to deal with the new KTM star.
For Vinales, the collaboration with the Pierer Mobility Group from next year is a return to his old stomping ground. The Spaniard became Moto3 world champion on his KTM in 2013. Twelve years later, he will now be driving a current RC16 alongside Enea Bastianini. “We have always had a close relationship with Maverick since he became world champion with us in 2013. The contact and friendship has never been broken,” explained KTM Motorsport Director Pit Beirer. In 2025, Vinales can therefore become the first MotoGP rider to win a race on four different bikes in the premier class.
However, Vinales was never a serious title contender in his now 10-year MotoGP career. He has repeatedly struggled with highly fluctuating performances. This year was no exception, when Vinales won sprint and GP races in Austin, but has only managed one more podium since then. On Friday, Beirer spoke about the upcoming task of getting the best out of Vinales.
“The human side, the feeling of having a home and a good environment is very important to him. We know that he can then perform miracles. But of course we also know that if he doesn’t feel comfortable, he immediately loses positions. Not just two or three, then it usually goes completely wrong,” says Beirer. He already has a plan to create this oasis of well-being for his new protégé.
“I think we have good ideas and good people in the team who know how to work with him. He always gave me a good feeling in the negotiations, and we want to give him that feeling back. I think that in the future we will see more of the special Maverick, who is unbeatable on some days,” Beirer is sure. “To do that, we have to give him the best possible support, and I can see a few possibilities.”
The news of Vinales’ transfer came as a surprise to the MotoGP world. Unlike his future teammate Enea Bastianini, no details about contract talks were made public beforehand. “Yes, it all happened very, very quickly,” grinned the KTM boss. “From the very first moment, he gave us the feeling that he wanted to come to us.” The move was particularly surprising because Vinales almost had a contract for the 2025 MotoGP season in the bag.
Just a few days ago, Aprilia boss Massimo Rivola declared that extending Vinales’ contract was a top priority. “I was a little surprised that he was so open to a change, even though he already has a good bike and a good team,” admitted Beirer. “But that shows how convinced he is.”
KTM has thus finalized its complete rider line-up for the coming season in just a few days. Pedro Acosta was confirmed for the factory team alongside Brad Binder at the weekend in Mugello. Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales followed five days later. “We knew that things would get very hectic on the market after the Ducati decision. The riders just wanted to clarify their future quickly. I’m glad that we did our homework and took this step at the right time.”
Now it’s up to you: Is Maverick Vinales the right MotoGP rider for KTM? And did Vinales make the right decision, or should he have stayed with Aprilia? Tell us in the comments!