Tech3 KTM confirms Austria MotoGP replacement for Maverick Vinales

10-time MotoGP race winner Maverick Vinales will miss KTM’s home race at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria, with Pol Espargaro confirmed as his replacement for the fourth consecutive event. 

The Tech3 rider has only completed eight race weekends so far in 2026 ahead of his expected MotoGP exit next season.

Vinales last raced at the German MotoGP in July, where he suffered a technical issue that caused him to retire from the Grand Prix. 

Since then, Vinales has missed the last three races due to an ongoing shoulder problem, which has kept the former Suzuki, Yamaha and Aprilia rider out of action since MotoGP resumed after the summer break.

Vinales missed races in the USA, Spain and France earlier this season to have surgery on his shoulder. However, the Spaniard struggled on his return before an undiagnosed tear was found in the shoulder he injured at Sachsenring last season. 

Espargaro has replaced Vinales at Tech3 in each of the last three rounds, and will do so again this weekend.  

Nicolas Goyon, Team Manager at Tech3, said: 

"It means a lot to have Pol with us for our factory's home race in Austria. Every time he gets back on the bike he looks more comfortable and competitive, and Misano was another positive step forward. We know we can count on his experience and professionalism, and we're looking forward to seeing him race in front of the orange army this weekend. At the same time, our priority remains supporting Maverick's recovery and we hope to have him back with us as soon as possible."

This weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix is the final European race before the season heads to Asia with the Japanese MotoGP, at Motegi. 

KTM says it hopes to have Vinales back in time for the Japanese Grand Prix, which will be followed by rounds in Indonesia, Australia, Malaysia, Qatar, Portugal, and Spain, with the season-finale taking place in Valencia.

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