KTM is evaluating the possibility of leaving Maverick Vinales without his spot at Tech3 for the second half of the MotoGP 2026 season. According to sources close to the team, the decision could materialize as soon as the upcoming British Grand Prix.
Pol Espargaro has been called to be ready to replace Vinales at this event, which could mean a definitive change until the end of the season. This move comes after the situation between the Spanish rider and the new CEO of Tech3, Guenther Steiner, has significantly deteriorated.
The reason for this decision lies in a shoulder injury that Vinales has been carrying since an accident at the Sachsenring in July 2025. His condition has generated considerable tension around his participation in the competition.
Furthermore, Vinales had signed a contract to race with Tech3 in 2025 and 2026. However, his promise of promotion to the factory team of KTM has been left in the air due to the subsequent incorporation of other riders like Alex Marquez and Fabio di Giannantonio.
The recent situation has led Vinales to express his discontent with KTM, stating that after a good start to the season, he feels lost regarding his future. Recently, he lamented that a contract he had signed was deemed invalid shortly after signing it.
Guenther Steiner indicated that the team is looking for clean lines and that the goal is to avoid complications with people from the past that could affect the team in the future. Meanwhile, Pit Beirer, sports director of KTM, has maintained a discreet profile during this conflict, promising a decision on the composition of Tech3 riders for 2027 during the summer break.
KTM aims to resolve the Vinales situation as soon as possible to avoid another conflict during the rest of the season. This is done to better manage both the financial consequences and the team’s image.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
