P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Maverick Vinales has spoken of the physical toll his lengthy injury layoff took
Tech3 MotoGP rider Maverick Vinales has disclosed that he lost five kilograms in muscle mass due to a long-term shoulder injury, which occurred during qualifying at the German Grand Prix in July.
Since the injury, Vinales has missed multiple rounds, including the Indonesian Grand Prix, as he prioritized his fitness for the final round and post-race test in Valencia.
Although he had originally aimed to return in Portugal, he chose to wait and focus on recovering properly for Valencia.
Despite not being at 100%, Vinales feels ready for the race and has been gaining back weight and strength to compete at his best level.
During Vinales’s absence, KTM test rider Pol Espargaro stood in for him, performing admirably and surprising many with his form on the MotoGP bike.
