The Mattighofen-based constructor\u2019s decision is a consequence of the shoulder injury\u00a0Vinales has been carrying since a Sachsenring crash in July last year.<\/p>\n
But the situation has worsened amid enormous tension between the Spaniard and new Tech3 CEO\u00a0Guenther Steiner.<\/p>\n
Vinales committed to racing with Tech3 in 2025 and 2026 on a contract that tied him directly to KTM, and after a very good start to 2025, the manufacturer promised him a promotion to the factory team.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the winter I was in the factory team, now I don’t even know where I am,\u201d Vinales told Autosport\u00a0at the Czech Grand Prix.<\/p>\n
![\"Guenther](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/guenther-steiner.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Guenther Steiner, Tech3 CEO<\/p>\n
Photo by: Gold and Goose Photography \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n
KTM was contractually able, until 30 June, to renew Vinales\u2019 contract for one more year \u2013 and he was keen for this to happen \u2013 but the signings of Alex Marquez<\/a> and Fabio di Giannantonio<\/a> at the factory team, adding to Tech3\u2019s silence, set off every alarm bell for the 125cc world champion.<\/p>\n \u201cIf I don’t continue in MotoGP, there is only one culprit: KTM,\u201d Vinales said in Brno, with the conflict intensifying at the Sachsenring, right before the summer break.<\/p>\n \u201cKTM sent me a contract, I signed it, and two weeks later they told me it wasn’t valid,” Vi\u00f1ales said, having accepted that he wouldn\u2019t be on the 2027 grid.<\/p>\n Steiner commented: \u201cWe don’t want any kind of baggage from the past and, therefore, perhaps people who were associated with the group, not only with Tech3 and KTM, but with the group in general, don’t fit.\u201d This also indirectly turned Brad Binder<\/a> away.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, KTM motorsport director Pit Beirer has kept a lower profile throughout the whole conflict. Beirer said all along that the final decision on Tech3\u2019s 2027 rider line-up would be made during the summer break; Luca Marini<\/a> and Senna Agius are expected to be announced.<\/p>\n KTM is therefore trying to bring the Vinales situation to a close as soon as possible, in order to avoid a war of words during the remaining 11 grands prix this year \u2013 hence trying to take Vinales off the bike without losing out in terms of finances or PR.<\/p>\n Read Also:<\/p>\n We want to hear from you!<\/p>\n Let us know what you would like to see from us in the future.<\/p>\n