Tech3 has confirmed Espargaro will replace the injured Maverick Vinales for a fourth consecutive MotoGP round at the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix.
The substitute rider arrives at the Red Bull Ring carrying solid momentum after securing a 12th-place qualifying position and a points finish at Misano. His extended stint provides KTM with vital real-world race telemetry at their home circuit. The factory tester is concurrently developing the upcoming 2027 850cc machine alongside Dani Pedrosa.
Vinales remains sidelined by an ongoing shoulder problem that has kept him out since the summer break. The extended recovery timeline has amplified paddock uncertainty surrounding his long-term position within the Tech3 garage.
Tech3 Confirms Extended Run For Espargaro
“It means a lot to have Pol with us for our factory’s home race in Austria,” team manager Nicolas Goyon told Crash.net. Goyon noted his steady form, adding: “Every time he gets back on the bike, he looks more comfortable and competitive, and Misano was another positive step forward.”
Tech3 remains focused on Vinales’ rehabilitation following his discovery of an undiagnosed muscle tear. “At the same time, our priority remains supporting Maverick’s recovery and we hope to have him back with us as soon as possible,” Goyon said via motorsport.com.
The team expects Vinales to resume racing when the MotoGP championship heads to Motegi for the Japanese Grand Prix.
