Maverick Vinales remains “a mission with KTM” and “a fully focused on this project” amid speculation surrounding the future of Austrian manufacturer MotoGP, and can search for new investors from the Tech3 team.
KTM’s future was secured after Bajaj Auto took control in exchange for injecting the 800 million euros needed to repay its creditors.
As for MotoGP’s involvement, KTM, like other manufacturers, is still on a MotoGP contract until the end of 2026, but it remains to be seen whether the same level of involvement in multiple classes and support from the satellite Tech3 team will continue next year.
That’s why Tech3 Boss Herve Poncharal is in talks with several potential investors, including former Formula One team manager Guenther Steiner.
Venares, who bouncing off the tough British Grand Prix during Friday practice in Aragon, to be the third fastest for the Marquez brothers, arguing that off-track uncertainty is not a distraction.
“I don’t think there’s any doubt from our side. We’re fully focused on this project and we aim to be successful at KTM,” said Vinales, winner of the MotoGP races in Suzuki, Yamaha and Aprilia.
“My head is on a mission with KTM and to make that happen in this factory.”
KTM is the only manufacturer that has no official podium finish this season. This comes after Venares was taken out for second place in Qatar due to a tire pressure penalty.
But – Silverstone aside, he has been competing in acting more frequently since Lessile and feels he’s taking part in another shot at Aragon.
In fact, Vinaru’s pace of used tires suited everyone except Mark Marquez.
“At this point, on paper, our chances are to fight from third to sixth, despite the fact that we think we’re not too far from Alex (Marquez, second).
“I’ve always told my peers, we only need 0.1-0.15! This is nothing. I’m trying to get it calm, do my job and get it consistently.”
Vinales was one of three RC16s and passed directly into Qualifying 2.
“It’s one of the Fridays where KTM could be more positive,” Vinales said.
“With used medium tires, I got a lot better bike ride.
“But when you put on a new soft rear, the frontal movement is always slightly (understeer) and it’s very difficult to be accurate in sectors 1, 2, 3.
“Sector 4 I think we’re very strong. But when you need to put in 1-3 corner speed, it’s difficult on a time attack. So the setup is a bit unbalanced.
“But with used media, I really felt a good chance.”
On the other hand, a dusty grid means that getting closer to the front is not an automatic benefit.
“We really need to give it the maximum, use every inch of the track in qualifying and place the bike in at least the second row,” Venares said.
“If I could start fourth, that’s the best position I could get. With a clean track, our bikes start really fast.”
Teammate Enea Bastianini was once again the last of the KTMS, but was better than the usual 13th.
The factory’s duopedroa Costa and blood binder were the fifth ANF, seventh fastest.