Pol Espargaro to Fill In for Vinales Again at San Marino Grand Prix

THE CALL-UP

Pol Espargaro will race for Tech3 KTM at the San Marino Grand Prix, filling in for Maverick Vinales for the third time this season. Vinales has been battling a shoulder injury dating back to a crash at last year's German Grand Prix, and Tech3 confirmed he will sit out the Misano weekend, running from September 11 to 13, as he continues his recovery.

THE TRACK RECORD

Espargaro has already deputized for Vinales twice in 2026, finishing 13th at the British Grand Prix and 16th at Aragon. He now works as a KTM test rider, helping develop the manufacturer's upcoming 850cc prototype built for 2027's new regulations, and will line up alongside Enea Bastianini at Misano.

HOW HE'S GOING SO FAR

Espargaro made an immediate impression at Misano, going ninth fastest in Friday practice to qualify directly into Q2, a stronger showing than either of his two previous stand-in appearances this season managed at the same stage of the weekend.

WHAT'S NEXT

Vinales returned from his last layoff at Barcelona in May but has struggled to find his best form since, and Tech3 says his timeline for a full comeback is still unclear, with the team hopeful he could be back by the Austrian Grand Prix later this month.