Tech3 team principal Steiner rebukes Viñales for KTM criticism

Tech3 KTM team principal Guenther Steiner has criticized rider Maverick Viñales for his public remarks blaming the Austrian manufacturer for potentially leaving him without a MotoGP seat for the 2027 season. Speaking at the Dutch Grand Prix in Assen, Steiner said the comments were not constructive and would not help the Spaniard's chances of securing a ride.

Viñales had expressed frustration over his contract situation, telling media that KTM holds an option on his services until July and has left him in limbo, preventing him from pursuing opportunities with other teams. He stated that if he is not on the grid next year, KTM would be solely responsible. The rider also cited his exclusion from a recent Pirelli tire test at Brno as a sign he is not part of KTM's future plans.

In response, Steiner characterized Viñales's criticism as harsh and unfair. He emphasized that MotoGP is a performance-based business and suggested the rider's own results are a factor in the team's decision-making. Steiner noted that while the KTM RC16 may not currently match the performance of a Ducati or Aprilia, it is a competitive bike, as demonstrated by the results of Pedro Acosta and, to a lesser...