Espargaró with KTM Tech3 at Aragon; will Viñales return at Misano?

Pol Espargaro also racing at Aragon with KTM, Viñales continues shoulder rehab: target Misano.

Pol Espargaro’s presence at Misano for a Dainese testing day certainly suggested it was also a “warm-up” for the Aragon GP, especially after recent rumors indicating Maverick Viñales would still be sidelined with his shoulder. Today comes confirmation from Tech3 Racing and KTM: the main rider is still out, continuing his recovery process, and in his place the test rider returns for a home GP. It’s a long absence for Viñales, who, now away from MotoGP, has focused all his attention on recovering from the shoulder injury suffered at the 2025 Sachsenring GP.

The Red Bull KTM Tech3 team confirms that Pol Espargaró will continue to race with the squad at this weekend’s Aragón Grand Prix (August 28-30), while Maverick Viñales remains focused on his recovery.

After his MotoGP return at Silverstone for the British Grand Prix, where the Spaniard finished a respectable 13th in Sunday’s main race, Espargaró will once again line up alongside Enea Bastianini on the MotorLand Aragón grid for Round 13 of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship.

Viñales continues to work closely with his medical team, KTM and Tech3, dedicating himself to a full recovery. The team remains confident that rider number 12 can return to competition for the San Marino Grand Prix at Misano next month (September 11-13).

Nicolas Goyon, Team Manager: “Together with Maverick and KTM, we have decided that Pol will continue to race with us in Aragon, so that Maverick can focus on his recovery. Pol did an excellent job for the team at Silverstone and his experience makes him ready to step in again this weekend.

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