Vinales signs Lorenzo as MotoGP performance coach for 2026 season

Tech3 KTM rider Maverick Vinales has turned to former Yamaha MotoGP star Jorge Lorenzo for support after the 2025 season, signing the five-time world champion as his performance coach.

Having teased the possibility of partnering with Lorenzo at the Valencia post-season test on Tuesday, Vinales has now confirmed that he has struck a deal with the 38-year-old.

Lorenzo, who built a name for himself racing against MotoGP stars Valentino Rossi, Marc Marquez and Dani Pedrosa, will guide his countryman in areas such as physical fitness, strategic advice and technical analysis. 

The announcement follows a mixed first season for Vinales at KTM’s satellite squad, with the 30-year-old initially impressing by rapidly adapting to the RC16, only to suffer the first major injury of his MotoGP career midway through the season.

Although he managed to make a comeback at last weekend’s season finale in Valencia, he still hadn’t recovered from the shoulder fracture he suffered at the German Grand Prix in July.

“Maverick Vinales is opening a new chapter in his sporting project with the addition of Jorge Lorenzo as his performance coach,” the pair said in a joint statement.

“The goal of this collaboration is clear: Fight for the @motogp World Championship.

“Lorenzo will work alongside Vinales on a continuous basis across three key areas:

“• Physical and athletic preparation, with a strong focus on routines, training, and recovery tailored to the current demands of MotoGP.

“• Strategic coaching, aimed at pressure and risk management, race consistency, and decision-making during critical moments.

“• Technical-sport development, reinforcing race-weekend analysis and planning.

“The collaboration will be supported by a team coordinated by Lorenzo and fully aligned with Vinales’ project, with the shared aim of achieving solid, sustainable progress in the medium and long term."

Maverick Vinales, Red Bull KTM Tech 3

Photo by: Steve Wobser / Getty Images

Speaking after the announcement, Vinales said: “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 added: “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 by the start of pre-season testing at Sepang in February.

Lorenzo has maintained a semi-regular presence in the paddock since his retirement from MotoGP after 2019, and currently serves as a presenter for Spanish broadcaster DAZN.