Maverick Viñales loses Qatar GP podium after penalty

Maverick Viñales was penalized after the race and lost his second-place finish in the Qatar MotoGP Due to Tire Pressure Infraction.

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Tech3 KTM rider Maverick Viñales has lost his shock second-place finish from Sunday’s MotoGP Qatar Grand Prix after receiving a 16-second penalty for illegal tyre pressure. The sanction drops the Spaniard to 14th in the revised results, promoting VR46 Ducati’s Franco Morbidelli to third, his second podium in three races.

Viñales had delivered a standout performance, marking his first top-10 finish in a challenging debut season with KTM. However, post-race scrutiny revealed his front tyre pressure fell below the minimum threshold set by the FIM. While he retains the right to appeal, Viñales remained upbeat despite the penalty.

Maverick Viñales achieved a podium finish in P2 but was later relegated to 14th place due to a tyre pressure penalty issued an hour after the race.

“At one point, I even thought victory was possible,” Viñales said. “We have to be happy with our progress. The team is working calmly and positively, and this is just the beginning. Today, we proved we have the speed.”

KTM motorsport director Pit Beirer had defended the team’s potential ahead of the race, insisting their bike was capable of wins this season. Viñales’ strong run before the penalty, lends credibility to that claim, offering hope for the Austrian manufacturer after a difficult start to 2025.

Morbidelli’s promotion to the podium continues his strong form, while Viñales’ penalty reshuffles the championship standings as MotoGP heads to its next round.