Maverick Viñales will not take part in this weekend’s race in Portimão. The Tech3 rider is still recovering from a shoulder injury and will use the extra time to get back to full fitness before the final round in Valencia.

Tech3 team manager Nicolas Goyon explained in a KTM press release that the decision was made together with KTM to allow Viñales another week of rest.
“Portimão is a very demanding circuit,” said Goyon. “We want Maverick to be in the best possible shape for Valencia, which will also include the important post-race test.”

As confirmed by MotoGP.com, Pol Espargaró will once again step in to replace Viñales. This will be Espargaró’s fifth race as a substitute rider for Tech3. The Spanish rider has already filled in several times since Viñales injured his shoulder at the Sachsenring earlier this season, which required ligament surgery.

Speaking to MotoGP.com, Espargaró said that returning to Portimão has a personal meaning. The last time he raced there, in 2023, he suffered a serious crash. “Honestly, I wasn’t expecting to replace Maverick again,” he said. “But I completely understand that it’s the right choice to let him recover properly. That’s the most important thing for the KTM project.”

Espargaró added in the same interview that helping the team is part of his role as a test rider. “We worked in Jerez last week, so I hope we can keep collecting useful information to improve our bike,” he said. “Portimão is a special place for me. Things didn’t go well the last time I was here, so this weekend is a bit of a personal challenge. I’m really looking forward to it.”

According to the Tech3 and KTM teams, Viñales is expected to make his comeback at the season finale in Valencia, where he will also take part in the official MotoGP post-race test.