Sepang, Malaysia – Retired from MotoGP, three-time premier-class World Champion Jorge Lorenzo found himself seeking a new challenge after trading early-morning debriefs for a more relaxed lifestyle. Investment ventures and a podcast filled some of the void, but something was missing. That something presented itself in the form of a phone call from Maverick Viñales, and now Lorenzo is back in the world of MotoGP, albeit in a new role: performance coach.
Lorenzo’s mission is to reignite the “killer instinct” he believes has diminished in Viñales over the past five or six years. The pair are working together ahead of the season, with Lorenzo aiming to unlock the full potential of the Red Bull KTM Tech3 rider. “Everybody said he was a killer,” Lorenzo recalled, referencing Viñales’ reputation as a young competitor. “He hates to lose.”
The dynamic between Viñales and Lorenzo is particularly intriguing given the presence of Pedro Acosta within the KTM stable. Acosta, who finished fourth in the championship, is widely considered the benchmark for the RC16. Viñales, with Lorenzo’s guidance, intends to challenge that assumption. “The target this year is to be the top KTM,” Lorenzo stated. “It won’t be easy as Pedro is coming very strong. He has a lot of energy, and talent.” Lorenzo believes that if Viñales can outperform Acosta, he will be in a position to fight for race victories.
Lorenzo sees Viñales as possessing a unique level of raw speed and talent. “There is no rider quite like ‘Top Gun’ in terms of pure raw speed and talent,” he said. He believes that Viñales has rediscovered a sense of urgency, fueled by a realization that his remaining years in MotoGP are limited. “Now he understands, after having some daughters and spending time with his wife, the next two or three years will be his last. He wants to give more than 100% to be at peace with himself.”
The partnership comes at a crucial time for Viñales. Despite achieving 10 MotoGP victories across three different manufacturers, he has yet to mount a serious championship challenge. Lorenzo’s arrival is intended to provide the final piece of the puzzle, helping Viñales become the first rider to win races with four different MotoGP teams.
Viñales’ performance in was promising, particularly before a German GP injury. He played a key role in guiding the development of the RC16, and his winter frustration was understandable given the potential that was momentarily sidelined by injury. The relief felt after the Sepang test – confirming his shoulder could withstand the rigors of racing – was significant, removing a final physical doubt.
The biggest challenge, Lorenzo believes, is internal. It’s about helping Viñales rediscover the mental fortitude that defined his early career. The question now isn’t whether Viñales has the speed, but whether he can tap into the relentless drive that once made him a feared competitor. Lorenzo’s objective is clear: to help one of the grid’s most naturally gifted riders reach his full potential and establish himself as KTM’s leading rider.
The MotoGP calendar is packed, with 22 Grands Prix across five continents. The season kicks off in Thailand from , followed by races in Brazil (), the USA (), and Spain (). The championship will conclude in Valencia from . With a demanding schedule ahead, the partnership between Viñales and Lorenzo will be tested to its limits as they strive to challenge Acosta and compete for victories.
