KTM has confirmed that test rider Pol Espargaro will step in for the injured Maverick Vinales at this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix at Balaton Park.
Vinales, a ten-time MotoGP race winner, has been sidelined with a shoulder injury sustained in a crash during German GP qualifying. Despite attempting a return in Austria, the Spaniard was forced to withdraw due to lingering pain. Doctors previously estimated a 16-week recovery period.
Espargaro, who has been KTM’s test rider since last year, will deputise for his former Tech3 team. The 34-year-old has recent track knowledge of Balaton Park, having tested at the circuit in June, and previously filled in for Vinales at the Czech Grand Prix, where he helped the team to a ninth-place finish.
“It’s tough for Maverick to miss another race, but he needs more time to recover,” Espargaro said. “I’ll do my best to help the team and the project, and hopefully Maverick will be back soon.”
KTM has shown improved form recently, with rookie Pedro Acosta delivering double podiums at the Czech GP and finishing third in Austria’s sprint.
Meanwhile, Pol’s older brother Aleix Espargaro will also be on the grid in Hungary, standing in at LCR Honda for the injured Somkiat Chantra.
