Pol Espargaró is set to return to the Red Bull KTM Tech3 team for the Grand Prix of San Marino, as Maverick Viñales remains sidelined due to a shoulder injury. This will mark Espargaró's third consecutive race stepping in for Viñales, who has been unable to compete since the injury.
Espargaró previously filled in for Viñales at both the Silverstone and Aragón races, managing to score two points during his debut at Silverstone by finishing in 13th place. However, he faced a tougher challenge at Aragón, where he finished 16th and just missed out on earning any championship points.
The upcoming Misano event presents a demanding schedule for Espargaró, who will be juggling the complexities of riding two different motorcycle prototypes. Following the Misano race, he is scheduled to test KTM's 850cc Pirelli-shod prototype at Mugello before heading to the Austrian Grand Prix. There, he will participate in another 850 test at the Red Bull Ring, which raises the possibility of him continuing to substitute for Viñales if the latter is still unable to race.
Espargaró expressed the challenges he faces with the frequent switching between the 1000cc Michelin-equipped RC16 and the 850 prototype, stating, "So it [could] be 1000, 850, 1000, 850." He acknowledged the difficulty of adjusting to different machines and tire packages but remains focused on the task at hand. Espargaró mentioned that his plans would change if Viñales is able to return in the upcoming races.
The uncertainty surrounding Viñales' return adds a layer of complexity to the situation. Team manager Nicolas Goyon emphasized that the primary concern is Viñales' recovery, stating, "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."
Viñales has been dealing with shoulder issues since his injury at the Sachsenring last year, which has affected his performance and availability. He has already lost his spot on the 2027 grid and has expressed doubts about his future in the championship. Espargaró last raced at Misano in 2022 but is familiar with the track from his testing experience, making him a valuable asset for the team during this challenging time.
As the Misano Grand Prix approaches, all eyes will be on both Espargaró's performance and Viñales' recovery, which will ultimately determine the lineup for the upcoming races.
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