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Jorge Lorenzo Leaning Into Full-Time Return as Maverick Vinales’ Performance Coach for 2026

The three-time champion is overhauling Vinales’ training to restore a sharper, win‑focused approach ahead of the season.

Overview

  • Lorenzo says he enjoys the coaching role more than expected, calling long daily sessions with Vinales a pleasure.
  • Vinales describes an intensive winter program that forced him to ride in wet and slippery conditions he once avoided, including road-bike work at Jerez, drills in Valencia, and dirt practice during recovery from his 2025 shoulder injury.
  • The partnership targets technical gains such as throttle and braking finesse with tightly focused, goal-led sessions rather than broad mileage.
  • Sepang marked Lorenzo’s first official trackside outing with the team, and he is set to attend further pre-season tests and the opening rounds.
  • Lorenzo aims to help Vinales regain a ‘killer’ mentality, while reports continue to link the out-of-contract rider to a possible KTM factory seat for 2027.