KTM is preparing for the possible departure of Maverick Vinales from the Tech3 team, with Pol Espargaro as the immediate replacement for the upcoming British Grand Prix.
The decision from the Austrian manufacturer comes from Vinales’ health status, who has suffered a shoulder injury since an accident at Sachsenring last July. This situation has been exacerbated by the growing tension between the Spanish rider and the new CEO of Tech3, Guenther Steiner.
Despite Vinales’ contract for the 2025 and 2026 seasons with the Tech3 team, in which he had been promised a promotion to the factory team, his relationship with the brand has been complicated. Vinales recently expressed his frustration, indicating that the previous promise of a spot in the factory team is uncertain.
Although KTM had until June 30 to renew Vinales’ contract for another year, the signings of Alex Marquez and Fabio di Giannantonio have intensified concerns for the young rider. ‘If I don’t continue in MotoGP, the one responsible is KTM,’ Vinales stated after the latest meetings.
Steiner, for his part, commented that the team is looking to leave the past behind, which has contributed to a disconnection with riders like Vinales. Currently, KTM is deciding on its lineup for the 2027 season and Vinales’ situation seeks a quick solution to avoid more conflicts during the rest of the competition.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
SourceID: SRC_0723fcb7b081e827a51ef28ed86b556ee0566c74