Viñales forced stop: will also miss Hungarian GP and possibly Barcelona

Maverick Viñales has balked at his physical state just hours before the start of the Red Bull Ring. Coming back from left shoulder surgery after rupturing the supraspinatus tendon Maverick is still not in top form. The Tech3 KTM team rider had tried to force his hand in Austria, but faced with pain, he threw in the towel: "I can't risk a new crash," his hot words after the announced retirement.

"If I fell, it would be a disaster," admitted the 30-year-old, " I fought to be here, but now more time will be needed: I will skip Budapest, and Barcelona is a question mark. To be in the saddle 30 days after the operation is already a miracle, the doctors are talking about 2-3 months. This experience has taught me to listen to the body." A bitter realization, tempered by satisfaction with the attempt: "Seeing that I could turn around gave me hope. Now I know what to work on: mobility and strength."

Appointment, then, at the Balaton Ring (Aug. 22-24) where Viñales will probably be replaced by test rider Dani Pedrosa, while Acosta will try to undermine Bagnaia and Martín with the new set-up.