Pol Espargaró To Continue Subbing For Viñales At Misano
· Yahoo Sports
Grueling schedule ahead, juggling 1000cc and 850cc prototypes
Photos by Rob Gray (Polarity Photo).Pol Espargaró will step back onto the Red Bull KTM Tech3 machine for the Grand Prix of San Marino, as Maverick Viñales will sit out a third straight round due to a shoulder injury.
Espargaró has already deputized for Viñales at Silverstone and Aragón, and Misano marks his third substitute appearance in as many events. The KTM test rider scored two points on his fill-in debut in Britain, running 13th, but just missed out on any points at Aragón, finishing 16th.
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The Misano assignment sets up a punishing stretch that could see Espargaró bounce between two completely different machines and tire packages. He is due to test KTM's 850cc Pirelli-shod prototype at Mugello the week after Misano. From there he heads to the Austrian GP, where a further 850 test is scheduled behind closed doors at the Red Bull Ring on the Monday after the race, where he might get the call again if Viñales is again unavailable.
Espargaró summed up the demand plainly. "So it [could] be 1000, 850, 1000, 850," he told Crash.net, referring to the constant switch between KTM's current Michelin-equipped RC16 and the 850 prototype with Pirelli tires. He has previously flagged how tricky that adjustment is. "But this is if Maverick is not coming in the next races. If he's coming, my plan is going to change."
Whether Viñales returns for KTM's home race at Spielberg remains unclear, with just one week separating Misano and the Austrian round. Team manager Nicolas Goyon reiterated that the priority is Viñales' recovery. "We are pleased to have Pol with us again in Misano," Goyon said. "He knows the team extremely well and has already shown his professionalism and commitment during his last two appearances this season."
Viñales first hurt his shoulder at the Sachsenring last year. He has already lost his 2027 grid spot and has admitted he doubts he will continue in the championship. Espargaró last raced at Misano in 2022, though he pointed out he is well-versed in testing there. Whether he lines up again in Austria depends entirely on how quickly Viñales can rebuild strength.
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