Pol Espargaró Returns to Tech3 for Misano as Maverick Viñales Continues Recovery

Former KTM rider Pol Espargaró will once again step in for the injured Maverick Viñales at the San Marino Grand Prix as Red Bull KTM Tech3 prepares for Round 14 of the 2026 MotoGP season.

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Red Bull KTM Tech3 has confirmed that Pol Espargaró will replace Maverick Viñales at the upcoming Grand Prix of San Marino, scheduled for 11–13 September, as the Spaniard continues recovering from injury.

The Misano weekend marks the second consecutive substitute appearance for Espargaró after he returned to the Tech3 garage at Silverstone before stepping in again at the Aragón Grand Prix. He will once more pilot the KTM RC16 at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli for Round 14 of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship.

Viñales remains focused on his rehabilitation and will not be fit in time for the San Marino round. The team has chosen Espargaró due to his familiarity with the KTM machinery and his previous experience with the Tech3 outfit, allowing for a smooth transition during Viñales’ absence.

Espargaró’s recent appearances have helped maintain continuity within the team, with the experienced Spaniard adapting quickly despite limited race opportunities this season. His knowledge of the RC16 is expected to provide valuable feedback throughout the Misano weekend.

Red Bull KTM Tech3 Team Manager Nicolas Goyon expressed confidence in Espargaró’s return while reiterating the team’s support for Viñales.

“While our priority remains supporting Maverick in his recovery, we are pleased to have Pol with us again in Misano. He knows the team extremely well and has already shown his professionalism and commitment during his last two appearances this season.”

Goyon acknowledged the challenge of returning to full-time MotoGP competition but highlighted Espargaró’s experience as a major asset.

“Returning to MotoGP is never easy, but Pol brings valuable experience, and we are looking forward to working with him again in San Marino. We wish Maverick continued progress in his recovery and hope to see him back when he is ready.”

The San Marino Grand Prix will provide Espargaró with another opportunity to race the KTM RC16 while helping the team remain competitive until Viñales is cleared to return to action. With Misano being one of MotoGP’s most familiar venues for riders and teams alike, Tech3 will be hoping Espargaró’s experience can deliver another solid weekend as the 2026 season enters its final stretch.