Vinales and Lorenzo: a risky partnership but one that could be 'revolutionary'

Will the collaboration between Vinales and Lorenzo succeed? Too soon to tell. Here’s what Chicho, Jorge’s father, thinks.

Maverick Vinales has great self-confidence, but he also knows he needs help to bring out 100% of his potential. In these MotoGP years he’s had some significant performance peaks, but also slumps. There hasn’t been consistency. In 2025 he also had to deal with an injury that ruined the second half of his season. To compete at a very high level in 2026, he decided to turn to Jorge Lorenzo, who has become his performance coach.

In recent weeks the two have shared photos and videos of their training sessions. The five-time world champion is convinced he can help the KTM Tech3 rider express all his talent. In some of the content posted on social networks, Chicho Lorenzo, the father of the former MotoGP rider and his first coach, was also present. He has trained many young riders and can offer some useful advice to the 30-year-old Top Gun.

Interviewed by Mundo Deportivo, Chicho Lorenzo gave his opinion on the fact that his son and Vinales have started a partnership: "They were both very brave - he commented - because the risk that it won’t work is high. But if this venture goes well and Vinales significantly improves his performance, it will be a turning point, a partnership that will revolutionize the sport. Many riders will want to replicate this new way of improving their performance."

Lorenzo Sr. explained what Jorge can bring to Maverick, who can certainly benefit from this collaboration: "First of all, there are no other coaches with Jorge’s extraordinary experience and knowledge in this sport. If he can pass on to Maverick his nonconformity, his attention to detail, and his never-give-up attitude, it’s impossible for him not to improve."

Even though the most important part of the coaching work will be Jorge’s, Chicho will commit to supporting the KTM Tech3 rider in some aspects: "I can help him with his riding technique, but to provide mental support to a rider like Vinales you must have lived through all the experiences and the pressure of a five-time world champion like Jorge. I love challenges, and this one is worth it, so I will give my all to make sure everything goes as well as possible."

The challenge is exciting for all involved, who are determined to succeed. Lorenzo Sr. also explained what his son and Vinales have in common: "As riders, only two things: the finesse and elegance of their riding. Their personalities are quite different. Jorge has come a long way thanks to his hard work and determination, while Maverick is pure talent. If Jorge manages to instill his strengths in Maverick, success is guaranteed."

Before getting injured at the Sachsenring, Maverick wasn’t doing badly in his debut with the KTM RC16. There were also Grands Prix in which he was faster than factory team riders Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder. His left shoulder is doing quite well now and he will certainly be at 100% for the start of the 2026 MotoGP season.

In recent weeks he has been training very seriously to take a step forward in terms of performance and consistency. His contract also expires at the end of 2025, so achieving positive results will be important to secure a good seat for 2027. A major goal for the Spanish rider is to win with a fourth different manufacturer in MotoGP; he’s missing KTM. He has already won with Suzuki, Yamaha, and Aprilia—no one before had triumphed with three different brands in the category. We’ll see if he can improve his record.

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