KTM replaces Maverick Vinales with Pol Espargaro for British GP
Maverick Vinales will sit out this weekend’s British Grand Prix due to injury, with Tech3 drafting in KTM’s MotoGP test rider Pol Espargaro as his replacement. Following Motorsport.com’s report that Vinales could be sidelined for the rest of the year, KTM has confirmed that the Spaniard will not be in action at Silverstone, as he continues his recovery from the shoulder injury he ... Keep reading
KTM has substituted Maverick Vinales with Pol Espargaro for the upcoming British Grand Prix, citing Vinales' ongoing shoulder injury. The Spanish MotoGP rider is set to miss this weekend's race at Silverstone, as he recuperates from a shoulder injury sustained during a July 2025 race at Sachsenring. KTM made the decision after consulting during the summer break and following a visit to the Red Bull Athlete Performance Centre.
Vinales revealed that he has a minor tear in his infraspinatus muscle, in addition to a fully healed supraspinatus tear. The Spaniard acknowledged that the injury news is not great as the second half of the season has already begun. Vinales, who hasn't finished higher than 11th this season, remains uncertain about when or if he will return to the RC16.
Pol Espargaro, who previously raced for KTM in 2023, will make his first grand prix appearance of the year in the 12th round of the season on 7-9 August. Espargaro, who retired from MotoGP in 2023, has made a few outings last year to fill in for an injured Vinales. Recently, it was reported that Espargaro may take over Vinales' spot for the rest of the season.
However, Espargaro's shoulder injury has significantly hampered his performance and has also impacted Vinales' future prospects in MotoGP, as he now doubts his chances of remaining on the grid for the 2027 season.
Written by urgent.news from Motorsport.com's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
