Overview
- Maverick Vinales will race at the Catalan Grand Prix after a multi-week layoff for shoulder problems.
- He underwent a second shoulder operation in late March to remove a loose screw and scar tissue, then completed intensive rehab at Red Bull’s Athlete Performance Center.
- Vinales chose Barcelona for his first race back because Mugello’s fast direction changes and hard braking would be tougher on a healing shoulder.
- He says shoulder strength has largely returned with one muscle still catching up, and Friday practice will show how competitive he can be.
- Marc Marquez will miss Barcelona after shoulder and foot surgeries, with a Mugello return uncertain and a 71-point title gap at risk of widening.