Maverick Vinales Enlists Jorge Lorenzo as Performance Guru in Pursuit of MotoGP Glory

Valencia, Spain – Maverick Vinales, the Tech3 KTM rider, has secured the services of five-time world champion Jorge Lorenzo as his performance coach, commencing their collaboration after the 2025 MotoGP season. The announcement, made following the Valencia post-season test, formalizes a partnership hinted at earlier in the week, bringing together two of Spain’s prominent figures in motorcycle racing.

Lorenzo, a veteran of MotoGP and a fierce competitor against legends such as Valentino Rossi, Marc Marquez, and Dani Pedrosa, will focus on enhancing Vinales’ physical fitness, providing strategic advice, and contributing to technical analysis. The pairing aims to elevate Vinales’ performance as he continues his career with the KTM satellite squad.

The 2024 season marked Vinales’ inaugural year with Tech3 KTM, a campaign characterized by rapid adaptation to the RC16 bike and initial strong showings, tempered by a significant injury sustained mid-season. The 30-year-old rider suffered a shoulder fracture at the German Grand Prix in July, which hampered his performance despite a return to racing at the season finale in Valencia.

In a joint statement released by both riders, the partnership was framed as "a new chapter in his sporting project," with the explicit goal of contending for the MotoGP World Championship. Lorenzo’s role will encompass three primary areas: physical and athletic preparation, strategic coaching, and technical-sport development.

Related News :

The physical preparation will involve tailored routines, training regimens, and recovery protocols designed to meet the intense demands of modern MotoGP. Strategic coaching will concentrate on pressure and risk management, race consistency, and optimized decision-making during critical race moments. Technical development will include in-depth race weekend analysis and planning.

Lorenzo will coordinate a dedicated team, working in alignment with Vinales’ existing setup, to ensure sustained progress in both the medium and long term.

Vinales expressed optimism about the new partnership, stating, "Bringing Jorge into this journey is a huge opportunity to learn and improve in every aspect. His experience and outside perspective will help us take confident steps forward. I’m starting this new stage with great motivation and excitement."

Lorenzo echoed this sentiment, noting, "Maverick has always had natural talent and great speed. My role is to accompany him, share my experience and knowledge, and help him reach his best version. I strongly believe that if we improve in each of the key areas, success will be inevitable."

Vinales is expected to make a full recovery from his shoulder injury in time for pre-season testing at Sepang in February.

Lorenzo has remained a visible figure in the MotoGP paddock since his retirement in 2019. He currently works as a presenter for Spanish broadcaster DAZN, providing commentary and analysis on the sport.

Vinales’ Career Trajectory

Maverick Vinales’ career has been marked by flashes of brilliance and periods of inconsistency. Since his debut in MotoGP in 2015 with Suzuki, he has secured multiple race wins and podium finishes, showcasing his raw speed and talent. His move to Yamaha in 2017 was expected to propel him into championship contention, but despite several strong performances, he struggled to consistently challenge for the title.

His time with Yamaha was often turbulent, marked by disagreements with the team and inconsistent results. A mid-season departure from Yamaha in 2021 saw him join Aprilia, where he demonstrated improved form and consistency, securing several podiums. His move to Tech3 KTM in 2024 was seen as a fresh start, and he quickly adapted to the KTM machinery, achieving competitive lap times and strong race pace.

However, his progress was hampered by the shoulder injury sustained at the German Grand Prix, which affected his performance for the remainder of the season. The addition of Lorenzo as his performance coach is intended to provide Vinales with the support and guidance needed to overcome these challenges and realize his full potential.

Lorenzo’s Illustrious Career

Jorge Lorenzo’s career in MotoGP is one of the most decorated in the sport’s history. He secured five world championships (2010, 2012, and 2015 in MotoGP, and 2006 and 2007 in 250cc), establishing himself as one of the premier riders of his generation. Known for his smooth riding style and exceptional corner speed, Lorenzo was a formidable competitor, particularly during his time with Yamaha.

His rivalry with Valentino Rossi was one of the most intense and captivating in MotoGP history, with both riders pushing each other to new heights. Lorenzo also faced fierce competition from Marc Marquez and Dani Pedrosa, creating a golden era for Spanish motorcycle racing.

After leaving Yamaha, Lorenzo had stints with Ducati and Honda, but struggled to replicate his previous success. He retired from MotoGP in 2019, citing physical and motivational challenges. Since then, he has remained involved in the sport as a commentator and analyst, sharing his insights and expertise with fans.

The Significance of a Performance Coach

In modern MotoGP, the role of a performance coach has become increasingly important. With the margins for error so small and the competition so fierce, riders are seeking every possible advantage to improve their performance. A performance coach can provide valuable insights into physical conditioning, mental preparation, and technical aspects of racing.

Lorenzo’s experience as a five-time world champion makes him an ideal candidate for this role. He has firsthand knowledge of the challenges and pressures faced by MotoGP riders, and can offer practical advice and guidance based on his own experiences. His expertise in areas such as race strategy, tire management, and bike setup will be invaluable to Vinales as he strives to improve his consistency and competitiveness.

KTM’s Ambitions

KTM has been steadily improving its MotoGP program in recent years, investing heavily in technology and rider development. The Austrian manufacturer has achieved race wins and podiums, demonstrating its potential to challenge the established manufacturers. The addition of Vinales to the Tech3 KTM squad was seen as a significant step forward, as he brings a wealth of experience and talent to the team.

KTM’s ambition is to become a leading force in MotoGP, and the partnership between Vinales and Lorenzo is a clear indication of their commitment to achieving this goal. By providing Vinales with the support he needs to reach his full potential, KTM hopes to elevate its performance and contend for the world championship.

Looking Ahead

The partnership between Maverick Vinales and Jorge Lorenzo is one of the most intriguing developments in MotoGP. With Lorenzo’s experience and expertise, Vinales has the potential to elevate his performance and challenge for race wins and podiums. The collaboration is expected to commence fully after the 2025 season, allowing both riders to prepare and strategize for the upcoming challenges.

The MotoGP community will be watching closely to see how this partnership unfolds, and whether it can help Vinales achieve his long-held ambition of becoming a world champion. The blend of Vinales’ raw talent and Lorenzo’s strategic acumen could prove to be a winning combination, and could herald a new era of success for both riders and for KTM.