Tech3 MotoGP rider Maverick Vinales has admitted that working closely with Jorge Lorenzo has made him rethink his own level as a rider, saying the experience has revealed a gap between where he believed he was and where he needs to be.
Vinales announced late last year that he had appointed three-time MotoGP world champion Lorenzo as his rider coach for the 2026 season. The partnership has already seen Lorenzo heavily involved in Vinales’ off-season training, with a strong emphasis on discipline, structure, and attention to detail.
Speaking in a new video published on Lorenzo’s YouTube channel, Vinales said the collaboration has been eye-opening.
“I thought I already had a pretty high level, but I’m realising that’s not the case yet,” said Vinales, who will enter his 12th MotoGP season in 2026. “Jorge is operating at a much higher level, and I was surprised by his obsession and discipline when it comes to achieving a goal.”
Vinales added that Lorenzo’s mindset has reshaped his own approach, pushing him to commit fully to every aspect of preparation.
“If you really want your goal, you have to fight for it. There’s no other way than to go all-in, give 100 percent, and work on every single detail,” he said.
Lorenzo attracted attention late last year when he suggested that riders with less natural talent than Vinales had still managed to fight for world titles, a comment that underlined his belief in Vinales’ untapped potential.
Despite inconsistent results, Vinales was KTM’s strongest performer during the first half of last season, a run that KTM’s motorsport leadership has previously indicated helped pave the way for Pedro Acosta’s increased role later in the year.
In the same video, Lorenzo once again praised Vinales’ natural ability, highlighting his adaptability and technical understanding.
Source: KTM
“He has a natural talent for understanding every bike very quickly,” Lorenzo said. “He immediately grasps the concepts you explain to him, and there is no need to repeat things.”
Lorenzo explained that his role as a coach is to bring structure and purpose to every part of Vinales’ routine, from gym work to time on track.
“Every minute of work must have a reason and an objective,” he said. “Everything that can be measured or improved has to be taken care of down to the smallest detail.”
KTM will officially unveil its 2026 MotoGP livery on Tuesday, 27 January, during an online launch for its four-bike line-up.
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