Maverick Vinales apparently faces an early exit from MotoGP with Tech3: KTM is reportedly already looking for a solution and considering Pol Espargaro as a replacement
Maverick Vinales could lose his spot on the Tech3 team for the second half of the 2026 MotoGP season. According to information from the Spanish-language edition of Motorsport.com, the Mattighofen-based manufacturer is currently evaluating the best option to take the Spaniard off the bike as soon as possible.
For now, team officials have called up Pol Espargaro to replace him at the British Grand Prix this coming weekend. This assignment could extend to the remainder of the season.
KTM’s decision is the result of the injury Vinales has been dealing with since last July. At that time, he injured his left shoulder in a crash at the Sachsenring—an injury that continues to hamper him.
Vinales publicly criticizes KTM
The current situation was accelerated by the enormous tensions between Viñales, KTM, and Tech3 CEO Günther Steiner, which have become publicly apparent in recent weeks.
Viñales had committed to KTM to ride for the Tech3 customer team in 2025 and 2026, but with a contract that ties him directly to the factory team. After a very strong start to the season last year, the manufacturer held out the prospect of a promotion to the factory team.
Under the agreement, KTM held a unilateral option to extend the contract for another year until June 30. Viñales himself had planned to continue racing for KTM. But then KTM signed Alex Marquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio to the factory team for 2027, and Tech3 has recently given no indication that the partnership would be extended.
“Last winter I was still on the factory team; now I don’t even know where I stand. If I don’t continue in MotoGP, there’s only one party to blame: KTM,” Vinales had vented his frustration with KTM on the sidelines of the Czech Grand Prix.
During the German Grand Prix at the Sachsenring, Vinales let the conflict escalate further. “KTM sent me a contract, I signed it, and two weeks later they told me it wasn’t valid,” he had said.
This caused friction with Tech3 CEO Steiner, who hinted at relying on new riders for the 2027 MotoGP season. “We don’t want any baggage from the past. That’s why people who have been associated with the group—not just with Tech3 and KTM, but with the group in general—may no longer fit in,” said the South Tyrolean.
Search for a face-saving solution
KTM Motorsport Director Pit Beirer remained in the background throughout the entire dispute. The former professional motocross rider consistently emphasized that he had set the summer break as the deadline for making the final decision on the Tech3 rider lineup for 2027. The reality, however, is that Luca Marini and Senna Agius are expected to race for the French team next year—official confirmation is still pending.
Against this backdrop, KTM is trying to resolve the matter as quickly as possible. The team wants to avoid the risk of a public feud over the remaining eleven Grands Prix of the season. For this reason, a legal and financial solution is currently being sought that would allow Vinales to be removed from the team early on without further damage to the team’s image or significant financial burdens.
