Red Bull KTM Tech3 rider Maverick Viñales will be replaced by Pol Espargaró for the upcoming British Grand Prix, as he continues to manage the effects of an injury sustained at the Sachsenring in 2025.
Viñales has faced a challenging period since the incident, with several setbacks impacting his return to competition. Following surgery earlier this year, he has continued to work closely with medical specialists, Tech3 and KTM on his rehabilitation programme.
After further consultation during the summer break, and a recent visit to the Red Bull Athlete Performance Centre (APC), Viñales will withdraw from racing this weekend and focus on his continued recovery. As a result, Espargaró will step in for Round 12 of the MotoGP™ World Championship at Silverstone.
KTM reserve rider Espargaró is a familiar face within the Tech3 garage, having made his premier class debut with the team in 2014 and gone on to contest 70 MotoGP races for the French outfit. The 2013 Moto2 World Champion also deputised for fellow Spaniard Viñales during his earlier injury absence in 2025.
Maverick Viñales said: “During the summer break, we kept looking for the reason why I wasn’t getting the strength back in external rotation in my left arm, while the internal rotation had a significant improvement over the last few months.
“Further medical tests showed that, although my supraspinatus has fully healed, I also have a small tear in the infraspinatus that we didn’t realise until last week. We’re now working on the best recovery plan.
“It’s not the best news, as the second part of the season starts now. I don’t know how long it’s going to take, but I will put everything as always into this recovery.”
Pol Espargaró said: “I have mixed feelings about this. On one hand, I feel sad, it’s never nice to jump on the bike in this situation, when a rider is injured and can’t race, especially when it’s Maverick. That’s a real shame. On the other hand, racing is in my blood. I’ve been racing all my life, and I miss it so much, so this is a great opportunity for me too. I’ve been with Tech3 my whole career and I feel part of the family, so I always feel comfortable when I go back to this garage.
“I’ll need a bit of time to adapt back to the category, since I’ve mostly been testing the RC16 for the new project and haven’t been on the 1000cc bike in a while, but after a couple of sessions, I’ll be ready. I’m looking forward to racing and doing my best to get Tech3 some good results.”
Nicolas Goyon, Team Manager, said: “It’s obviously not the news we wanted to be announcing after the summer break, and the whole team feel very sad for Maverick, but Pol has been part of the Tech3 family for a long time and is for sure the right substitute under these circumstances. We wish Maverick a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on the bike at the next race in Aragon.”
**************************************
Win Your Dream Motorcycle with Apex66 Competitions: Use our Invitation Code REF3588730 or click the banner below:
**************************************
📣 If you like our video content, please press the ❤️ Hype button on our videos—it might help us grow and reach even more motorcycle enthusiasts. Thank you for your amazing support! 🙌
**************************************
Support Modern Classic Motorcycle News and become a YouTube Member for just £5 per month. Members help keep the channel independent and receive extra value, including x2 digital issues of M.C.M. News Magazine free per month join here:
Out Now on Kindle
Watch, like and subscribe to our Youtube channel
Get These Awesome Perks With Our YouTube Membership!: Join Our YouTube Membership and Save – Get two digital issues of Modern Classic Motorcycle News per month free join here:
👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 🔔 Subscribe for more modern classic motorcycle content
**************************************
©Words/Images above are from an official press release posted courtesy of the team
For more racing news head to our dedicated page: Racing News Home Page
* Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission (at no cost to you) if you click on the link and make a purchase. Any money made goes straight back into the website and magazine. Your support is appreciated!
