Pol Espargaro to Replace Injured Maverick Vinales at British MotoGP 2026

Pol Espargaro, the reserve rider for Red Bull KTM Tech3, is set to step in for Maverick Vinales at the upcoming British MotoGP 2026 at Silverstone Circuit. Vinales has withdrawn from the race to concentrate on his recovery from a persistent injury.

Espargaro will take the reins of Vinales's bike, as the latter continues to battle the effects of an incident at the Sachsenring circuit in 2025. This opportunity marks a return to racing for Espargaro, who has been sidelined for some time. Team Manager Nicolas Goyon conveyed the team's sadness over Vinales's situation but expressed confidence in Espargaro as the appropriate replacement.

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Pol Espargaro has been part of the Tech3 family for a long time and is certainly the right replacement in this situation. We wish Maverick a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on the bike in the next race at Aragon.

"Pol Espargaro has been part of the Tech3 family for a long time and is certainly the right replacement in this situation," Goyon stated. "We wish Maverick a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on the bike in the next race at Aragon."

Espargaro shared his mixed emotions about the unexpected return. "I have raced all my life, and I miss it very much, so this is also a great opportunity for me," he said. "I have been with Tech3 throughout my career and feel part of the family, so I always feel comfortable when I return to this garage." Vinales has faced a difficult period since his accident, with multiple setbacks hindering his return to competition. Following surgery earlier this season, he has been working closely with medical specialists, Tech3, and KTM on his rehabilitation program. After further consultations during the summer break and a recent visit to the Red Bull Athlete Performance Centre, Vinales made the decision to withdraw from this weekend's race to prioritize his full recovery.

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I have raced all my life, and I miss it very much, so this is also a great opportunity for me. I have been with Tech3 throughout my career and feel part of the family, so I always feel comfortable when I return to this garage.