Why KTM Doesn't Want Pol Espargaro Covering for Viñales for Much Longer

This weekend in Aragon marks Pol Espargaro's second MotoGP outing as a stand-in for Maverick Viñales, but it's not necessarily in KTM's best interest.

Espargaro has been a valuable asset to KTM since stepping down as a full-time rider at the end of 2023. As a test rider, he's brought a level of speed to KTM's test team that even a rider like Dani Pedrosa – retired for nearly eight years – would struggle to match when evaluating new components. Furthermore, he has consistently demonstrated solid competence when filling in for injured riders.

It was Pol Espargaro who first replaced Viñales when the 2013 Moto3 World Champion injured his shoulder in Germany last July. Espargaro again stepped in for the Tech3 team at Silverstone and MotorLand Aragon this year to fill the void left by Viñales as he continues to battle his ongoing injury crisis.

However, with the impending technical revolution in MotoGP for 2027, Espargaro's time would be better spent – from KTM's perspective – dedicated to testing the 850cc machine set to debut in just over six months. Therefore, there's a clear desire from Pit Beirer for Viñales to return to Tech3's second RC16 as soon as possible, allowing Espargaro to resume his testing duties. The KTM Motorsport Director himself, however, is unsure when this will be possible.