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Pol Espargaro replaces Maverick Vinales for Tech3 KTM at San Marino GP

Autosport • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 4, 2026, 8:14 AM

Last updated Sep 4, 2026

Pol Espargaro replaces Maverick Vinales for Tech3 KTM at San Marino GP

Summary

Pol Espargaro will return to the Tech3 KTM team for the upcoming San Marino Grand Prix, filling in for Maverick Vinales. This marks Espargaro's third appearance for the team this season after previously competing in the British and Aragon rounds. Vinales remains sidelined as he continues to recover from a left shoulder injury sustained in a qualifying crash last year at the Sachsenring. Although Vinales underwent surgery on 1 April, he has struggled to regain his previous form since returning to the track in mid-May. Tech3 director Nicolas Goyon stated the team remains supportive of Vinales during his recovery while emphasizing the benefit of having Espargaro’s experience back on the bike. Espargaro has recorded a 13th-place finish at Silverstone and a 16th-place result at Aragon while concurrently working on the development of KTM's 850cc prototype.

Source Links

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Status Watch

•Pol Espargaro replaces Maverick Vinales at Tech3 KTM for the San Marino Grand Prix.
•Vinales has been absent from competition while recovering from a shoulder injury sustained last year.
•The rider underwent surgery on 1 April to address persistent shoulder issues.
•Espargaro previously appeared for the team at the British and Aragon rounds this season.
•Tech3 KTM continues to integrate Espargaro into the development of their 850cc prototype.

Latest Updates

8:14 AMAutosport — Espargaro to replace Vinales again at Tech3 KTM in Misano
8:13 AMYahoo Sports — Pol Espargaro to replace Maverick Vinales again at Tech3 KTM
8:13 AMMotorsport.com — Pol Espargaro to replace Maverick Vinales again at Tech3 KTM

What they're saying

"
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 ...Keep reading
— Autosport

"
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 ...Keep reading
— Motorsport.com