Jorge Lorenzo: Reigniting Maverick Viñales’ Killer Instinct at KTM | MotoGP 2026

Sepang, Malaysia – Retired MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo has taken on a new role within the paddock, serving as a performance coach for Red Bull KTM Tech3 rider Maverick Viñales, a collaboration that began during the recent Sepang Test. The move marks a return to full-time involvement in the sport for Lorenzo, who hung up his helmet at the finish of 2019 after a distinguished career that included five World Championships.

Lorenzo’s focus is on reigniting the competitive fire in Viñales, a rider he remembers as a formidable talent from a young age. “Everybody said he was a killer,” Lorenzo recalled, referencing early assessments of Viñales’s racing instincts. “He hates to lose.” Lorenzo believes that Viñales’s aggressive edge had diminished in recent years, and he aims to help the Spaniard recapture that intensity.

The partnership comes at a crucial time for Viñales, who is entering what Lorenzo describes as a pivotal phase of his career. “Now he understands…the next two or three years will be his last. He wants to give more than 100% to be at peace with himself,” Lorenzo stated. This renewed sense of urgency is a key component of the coaching dynamic.

However, the internal competition within KTM presents a significant challenge. Pedro Acosta, the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider, finished fourth in the 2025 championship and is widely considered the team’s leading contender in 2026. Lorenzo acknowledges Acosta’s talent and energy, stating that beating him is the primary target for Viñales. “If Maverick beats Pedro Acosta, then he can be fighting for victories,” Lorenzo asserted.

Viñales’s performance in the latter half of the 2025 season was hampered by a German GP injury, but he played a vital role in the development of the RC16 prior to the incident. Lorenzo noted the frustration Viñales experienced during his recovery, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of MotoGP. The successful completion of the Sepang Test, and the confirmation that Viñales’s shoulder had withstood a crash, has provided a solid foundation for the season ahead.

Lorenzo’s role extends beyond trackside advice. He is deeply involved in both the physical and mental preparation of Viñales, immersing himself in the daily routines of his protégé. He described the work as “perfect work,” expressing a surprising level of enjoyment in the coaching process, stating he didn’t expect to love it so much.

The ultimate objective, according to Lorenzo, is to help Viñales rediscover his peak form and establish himself as KTM’s top rider. Viñales has already achieved 10 MotoGP victories with three different manufacturers, and Lorenzo believes he has the potential to develop into the first rider to win races with four different brands.