After competing in the British and Aragon grands prix, Pol Espargaro will contest next week's San Marino Grand Prix with Tech3 KTM, replacing Maverick Vinales.
Vinales continues to recover from the injury he suffered last year to his left shoulder, in a qualifying crash at the Sachsenring. Since then, he's had ups and downs in his recovery.
Vinales had to miss several races early in 2026 and eventually underwent surgery on 1 April to have a screw removed from the affected area which supposedly was the cause of his problems.
Despite the operation, the Spaniard has failed to and, since returning at Barcelona in mid-May, his performances and results have never been close to expectations.
It was expected that Vinales could return in form after the summer break, but he has been kept away from the track by his physical problems and the KTM/Tech3 conflict over his contract. Last month, Motorsport.com revealed KTM intended to drop Vinales altogether for the remainder of the season.
#espargaro
Vinales continues to recover from the injury he suffered last year to his left shoulder, in a qualifying crash at the Sachsenring. Since then, he's had ups and downs in his recovery.
Vinales had to miss several races early in 2026 and eventually underwent surgery on 1 April to have a screw removed from the affected area which supposedly was the cause of his problems.
Despite the operation, the Spaniard has failed to and, since returning at Barcelona in mid-May, his performances and results have never been close to expectations.
It was expected that Vinales could return in form after the summer break, but he has been kept away from the track by his physical problems and the KTM/Tech3 conflict over his contract. Last month, Motorsport.com revealed KTM intended to drop Vinales altogether for the remainder of the season.
#espargaro
2 months ago
