Tech3 KTM names Maverick Vinales replacement for Aragon MotoGP

Maverick Vinales will miss this weekend’s Aragon MotoGP due to a lingering shoulder issue, leaving Tech3 KTM to announce his replacement. 

Vinales will once again be replaced by official KTM test rider Pol Espargaro, who stood in for the ten-time MotoGP race winner at the British Grand Prix last time out. 

Vinales has been struggling with an ongoing shoulder injury he suffered at the German Grand Prix last year, and while the injury has affected much of his season, it’s the fallout between Vinales and the team that has grabbed the headlines.

It’s already become clear that Vinales and Tech3 will not continue together in 2027, which means Vinales could end up without a seat in MotoGP altogether.

Options for Vinales are extremely limited at this stage, with a move away from MotoGP looking more and more likely.

This could result in a switch to WorldSBK, with fellow MotoGP riders Brad Binder and Alex Rins also likely to join the series.

If Vinales does move on, it means MotoGP loses one of its most talented riders, however, Vinales has struggled to turn his talent into the kind of results it warrants with any kind of consistency over a long period. 

There had been rumours that Tech3 might move on from Vinales before the 2026 season finishes, just like Yamaha did a few years ago.

But that is not expected to happen, with Vinales instead looking to make a return at the Misano GP in September.

Nicolas Goyon, Team Manager, said this regarding Vinales’ absence: 

“Together with Maverick and KTM, we have decided that Pol will continue with us in Aragón so that Maverick can continue to focus on his recovery. Pol did a solid job for the team at Silverstone, and his experience means he is well placed to step in again this weekend.

“The most important thing for us is that Maverick takes the time he needs to recover properly. We are supporting him throughout this process and remain hopeful that we can welcome him back at Misano. Until then, we will focus on Aragón and continue to give Pol and Enea our full support.”

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