The MotoGPCompetition·MotoGP season is set to resume this weekend with the British Grand PrixCompetition·British Grand Prix, but it will do so without Maverick ViñalesPlayer·Maverick Viñales. The Tech3 KTMTeam·Tech3 KTM team announced that the Spanish rider will miss the event at SilverstoneVenue·Silverstone as he continues his recovery from corrective shoulder surgery performed earlier this year. Viñales has been experiencing persistent discomfort, which has impacted his performance on the track.
"Pol Espargaró returns to Tech3 for this weekend's #BritishGP at Silverstone, stepping in for Maverick Viñales as he continues to manage his recovery following corrective shoulder surgery earlier this year. We are wishing Maverick a very speedy recovery 🙏"— Tech3 Racing
Taking Viñales' place for the British Grand PrixCompetition·British Grand Prix will be KTMTeam·KTM test rider Pol EspargaróPlayer·Pol Espargaró. This will be Espargaró's inaugural MotoGPCompetition·MotoGP appearance of the 2026 season. His experience as a substitute rider is notable; during the 2025 season, Espargaró competed in five races, achieving a best finish of eighth place at the Hungarian Grand Prix. His return provides a familiar presence for the Tech3 KTMTeam·Tech3 KTM squad as the championship re-engages after its month-long summer break.
Despite recent speculation regarding Viñales' future with Tech3 KTMTeam·Tech3 KTM, the team's announcement confirms his absence is solely for recovery purposes, dispelling rumors of a potential dismissal. The primary objective for Maverick ViñalesPlayer·Maverick Viñales is to return to competition for the Aragon Grand PrixCompetition·Aragon Grand Prix, scheduled to take place between August 28 and 30 at MotorLand AragónVenue·MotorLand Aragón in Spain. His focus remains on regaining full fitness to rejoin the grid later in the month.
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