{"id":1893781,"date":"2026-04-20T09:11:43","date_gmt":"2026-04-20T06:11:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1893781"},"modified":"2026-04-20T09:11:43","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T06:11:43","slug":"maverick-vinales-to-miss-spanish-motogp-pol-espargaro-also-injured","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1893781","title":{"rendered":"Maverick Vinales to miss Spanish MotoGP, Pol Espargaro also injured"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1301027_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>Maverick Vinales to miss Spanish MotoGP, Pol Espargaro also injured<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Maverick Vinales will miss the Spanish MotoGP &#8211; planned replacement Pol Espargaro also injured.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Peter McLaren <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-04-20T18:22:32+00:00\">Updated: 20 Apr 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1301027_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1301027_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1301027_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1301027_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1301027_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1301027_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1301027_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1301027_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1301027_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Maverick Vinales, 2026 US MotoGP.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"preferred-source-cta\">  Add as a preferred source <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Red Bull KTM Tech3 has suffered a double blow with the news that Maverick Vinales will miss this weekend\u2019s Spanish MotoGP and intended stand-in Pol Espargaro also injured.<\/p>\n<p>Vinales stepped back from the COTA round after opening practice and returned to Europe for surgery when a &#8216;displaced screw&#8217; &#8211; inserted after last July\u2019s Sachsenring shoulder injury &#8211; was discovered.<\/p>\n<p>Despite the extended break caused by the postponement of Qatar, Vinales made clear he would only return to action at Jerez if he had fully recovered.<\/p>\n<p>That is not the case, and Vinales is now turning his attention to the French MotoGP at Le Mans in mid-May.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s obviously disappointing not to be racing at Jerez this weekend,\u201d Vinales said. \u201cIt\u2019s a huge event for me and the first of my home races this season.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI know my body well though and right now the priority is to recover properly and make sure I can come back in the best possible condition for the rest of the season.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEverything is moving in the right direction, and the target is to be ready for Le Mans.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-8b9116b65fb8db1e955c30bdb0e0acd4d8b9c0316e9c49f64c3c387a4d0144d1\">  Pirelli: Tyre pressure controversy? MotoGP races should &#8216;finish&#8217; at the flag   Pedro Acosta \u201ccurious\u201d about 850cc, calendar &#8220;stress\u201d means shorter careers <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<h2>Guenther Steiner: &#8220;I don\u2019t ask for these situations&#8230;&#8221;<\/h2>\n<p>Tech3 hoped that KTM test rider Pol Espargaro would step in for Vinales.<\/p>\n<p>However, Espargaro sustained &#8216;a hand injury in the lead-up to Jerez\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>Tech3 then explored \u2018several alternative solutions\u2019 &#8211; presumably including Espargaro&#8217;s fellow KTM test rider Dani Pedrosa &#8211; but has now elected to compete with just Enea Bastianini this weekend.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-b30d6030345a596533ba6e27bd074302dbfc9ef13e8c47142aa349ba828dc4c7\">  MotoGP tyre pressure rule \u201cabsurd\u201d must be \u201cchanged or abolished\u201d   Return of key KTM MotoGP figure &#8220;a win in every respect&#8221; <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI don\u2019t ask for these situations, but somehow they keep turning up anyway,\u201d said Tech3 CEO Guenther Steiner. \u201cOf course, there\u2019s a bit of irony in it, but the reality is that this is not how we wanted to arrive in Jerez.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFirst, Maverick is recovering, then Pol injures his hand, and suddenly the plan changes very quickly. We have looked at the alternatives, but we also must make sensible decisions that are right for the team and for the wider project.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe positive is that Enea comes into this weekend with good momentum after Austin, and that gives us something strong to build on as we head into the European leg of the season.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>KTM motorsport director Pit Beirer added: \u201cIt is never an easy decision to line up with one bike, but in this case it is the correct one.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Maverick must be given the time and space to recover fully, and unfortunately Pol\u2019s injury removed the most natural replacement option.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;Together with Tech3 we looked carefully at what was possible for Jerez, but we also have to consider competitiveness and the wider picture for the project.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We are confident Maverick is moving in the right direction, and we are equally encouraged by the progress Enea showed in Austin.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Pol&#8217;s brother and fellow MotoGP test rider Aleix Espargaro is also recovering from injuries.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Aleix recently underwent surgery to have four vertebrae fused after a Honda testing accident at Sepang.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>In this article<\/h2>\n<div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Maverick Vinales<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Pol Espargaro<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Red Bull KTM Tech3<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">KTM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3>  Previous<\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Jorge Martin will &#8220;always be grateful&#8221; for Marc Marquez call during injury struggles<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1298776_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1298776_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1298776_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1298776_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1298776_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1298776_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1298776_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1298776_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1298776_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"item next\">\n<h3> Next <\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Ducati boss backs Marc Marquez to be \u201c100% fit\u201d for Spanish MotoGP<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304441_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304441_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304441_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304441_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304441_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304441_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304441_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304441_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304441_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-53ed7c9a313ee12c1b618a8afa43e89aeeb9f93cefa0075148ae5d9e926c0633\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/picture-72168-1654791772.png?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/picture-72168-1654791772.png?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/picture-72168-1654791772.png?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Peter McLaren<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">MotoGP Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<p>Peter has been in the paddock for 20 years and has seen Valentino Rossi come and go. He is at the forefront of the Suzuki exit story and Marc Marquez\u2019s injury issues.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>More News<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-81f914d692ac6bac5bb364d6ccbaaa001cfa888c2880bede980dea2b742db44c\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Maverick Vinales explains suspected cause of \u2018loose screw\u2019 injury<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775830284\"> 10\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1296262_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Maverick Vinales.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  Feature <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\u201cOne of the darkest moments\u201d: Trevathan \u201cproud\u201d that Pol settled Portimao score &#8211; Exclusive <\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775820084\"> 10\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1280555_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Pol Espargaro, 2025 Portimao MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  Feature <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Ducati takes inspiration from rivals in rear aero battle<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775746086\"> 09\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/ducati.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"New Ducati rear aero and leg wings, 2026 US MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Ex-F1 team boss Guenther Steiner labels MotoGP riders &#8220;a special breed&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775648750\"> 08\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1300905_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Enea Bastianini, 2026 US MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>KTM details Pedro Acosta\u2019s new MotoGP approach: \u201cThere was no middle ground\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775645330\"> 08\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304322_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Pedro Acosta, 2026 US MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Maverick Vinales has successful surgery, but MotoGP comeback timeline unclear<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775118610\"> 02\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1292408_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Maverick Vinales\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Maverick Vinales will miss the Spanish MotoGP &#8211; planned replacement Pol Espargaro also injured.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Red Bull KTM Tech3 has suffered a double blow with the news that Maverick Vinales will miss this weekend\u2019s Spanish MotoGP and intended stand-in Pol Espargaro also injured.<\/p>\n<p>Vinales stepped back from the COTA round after opening practice and returned to Europe for surgery when a &#8216;displaced screw&#8217; &#8211; inserted after last July\u2019s Sachsenring shoulder injury &#8211; was discovered.<\/p>\n<p>Despite the extended break caused by the postponement of Qatar, Vinales made clear he would only return to action at Jerez if he had fully recovered.<\/p>\n<p>That is not the case, and Vinales is now turning his attention to the French MotoGP at Le Mans in mid-May.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s obviously disappointing not to be racing at Jerez this weekend,\u201d Vinales said. \u201cIt\u2019s a huge event for me and the first of my home races this season.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI know my body well though and right now the priority is to recover properly and make sure I can come back in the best possible condition for the rest of the season.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEverything is moving in the right direction, and the target is to be ready for Le Mans.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-8b9116b65fb8db1e955c30bdb0e0acd4d8b9c0316e9c49f64c3c387a4d0144d1\">  Pirelli: Tyre pressure controversy? MotoGP races should &#8216;finish&#8217; at the flag   Pedro Acosta \u201ccurious\u201d about 850cc, calendar &#8220;stress\u201d means shorter careers <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<h2>Guenther Steiner: &#8220;I don\u2019t ask for these situations&#8230;&#8221;<\/h2>\n<p>Tech3 hoped that KTM test rider Pol Espargaro would step in for Vinales.<\/p>\n<p>However, Espargaro sustained &#8216;a hand injury in the lead-up to Jerez\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>Tech3 then explored \u2018several alternative solutions\u2019 &#8211; presumably including Espargaro&#8217;s fellow KTM test rider Dani Pedrosa &#8211; but has now elected to compete with just Enea Bastianini this weekend.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-b30d6030345a596533ba6e27bd074302dbfc9ef13e8c47142aa349ba828dc4c7\">  MotoGP tyre pressure rule \u201cabsurd\u201d must be \u201cchanged or abolished\u201d   Return of key KTM MotoGP figure &#8220;a win in every respect&#8221; <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI don\u2019t ask for these situations, but somehow they keep turning up anyway,\u201d said Tech3 CEO Guenther Steiner. \u201cOf course, there\u2019s a bit of irony in it, but the reality is that this is not how we wanted to arrive in Jerez.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFirst, Maverick is recovering, then Pol injures his hand, and suddenly the plan changes very quickly. We have looked at the alternatives, but we also must make sensible decisions that are right for the team and for the wider project.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe positive is that Enea comes into this weekend with good momentum after Austin, and that gives us something strong to build on as we head into the European leg of the season.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>KTM motorsport director Pit Beirer added: \u201cIt is never an easy decision to line up with one bike, but in this case it is the correct one.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Maverick must be given the time and space to recover fully, and unfortunately Pol\u2019s injury removed the most natural replacement option.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;Together with Tech3 we looked carefully at what was possible for Jerez, but we also have to consider competitiveness and the wider picture for the project.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We are confident Maverick is moving in the right direction, and we are equally encouraged by the progress Enea showed in Austin.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Pol&#8217;s brother and fellow MotoGP test rider Aleix Espargaro is also recovering from injuries.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Aleix recently underwent surgery to have four vertebrae fused after a Honda testing accident at Sepang.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Red Bull KTM Tech3 has suffered a double blow with the news that Maverick Vinales will miss this weekend\u2019s Spanish MotoGP and intended stand-in Pol Espargaro also injured.<\/p>\n<p>Vinales stepped back from the COTA round after opening practice and returned to Europe for surgery when a &#8216;displaced screw&#8217; &#8211; inserted after last July\u2019s Sachsenring shoulder injury &#8211; was discovered.<\/p>\n<p>Despite the extended break caused by the postponement of Qatar, Vinales made clear he would only return to action at Jerez if he had fully recovered.<\/p>\n<p>That is not the case, and Vinales is now turning his attention to the French MotoGP at Le Mans in mid-May.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s obviously disappointing not to be racing at Jerez this weekend,\u201d Vinales said. \u201cIt\u2019s a huge event for me and the first of my home races this season.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI know my body well though and right now the priority is to recover properly and make sure I can come back in the best possible condition for the rest of the season.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEverything is moving in the right direction, and the target is to be ready for Le Mans.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-8b9116b65fb8db1e955c30bdb0e0acd4d8b9c0316e9c49f64c3c387a4d0144d1\">  Pirelli: Tyre pressure controversy? MotoGP races should &#8216;finish&#8217; at the flag   Pedro Acosta \u201ccurious\u201d about 850cc, calendar &#8220;stress\u201d means shorter careers <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<h2>Guenther Steiner: &#8220;I don\u2019t ask for these situations&#8230;&#8221;<\/h2>\n<p>Tech3 hoped that KTM test rider Pol Espargaro would step in for Vinales.<\/p>\n<p>However, Espargaro sustained &#8216;a hand injury in the lead-up to Jerez\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>Tech3 then explored \u2018several alternative solutions\u2019 &#8211; presumably including Espargaro&#8217;s fellow KTM test rider Dani Pedrosa &#8211; but has now elected to compete with just Enea Bastianini this weekend.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-b30d6030345a596533ba6e27bd074302dbfc9ef13e8c47142aa349ba828dc4c7\">  MotoGP tyre pressure rule \u201cabsurd\u201d must be \u201cchanged or abolished\u201d   Return of key KTM MotoGP figure &#8220;a win in every respect&#8221; <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI don\u2019t ask for these situations, but somehow they keep turning up anyway,\u201d said Tech3 CEO Guenther Steiner. \u201cOf course, there\u2019s a bit of irony in it, but the reality is that this is not how we wanted to arrive in Jerez.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFirst, Maverick is recovering, then Pol injures his hand, and suddenly the plan changes very quickly. We have looked at the alternatives, but we also must make sensible decisions that are right for the team and for the wider project.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe positive is that Enea comes into this weekend with good momentum after Austin, and that gives us something strong to build on as we head into the European leg of the season.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>KTM motorsport director Pit Beirer added: \u201cIt is never an easy decision to line up with one bike, but in this case it is the correct one.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Maverick must be given the time and space to recover fully, and unfortunately Pol\u2019s injury removed the most natural replacement option.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;Together with Tech3 we looked carefully at what was possible for Jerez, but we also have to consider competitiveness and the wider picture for the project.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We are confident Maverick is moving in the right direction, and we are equally encouraged by the progress Enea showed in Austin.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Pol&#8217;s brother and fellow MotoGP test rider Aleix Espargaro is also recovering from injuries.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Aleix recently underwent surgery to have four vertebrae fused after a Honda testing accident at Sepang.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/motogp\/news\/1093233\/1\/maverick-vinales-miss-spanish-motogp-pol-espargaro-also-injured&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1301027_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] Maverick Vinales to miss Spanish MotoGP, Pol Espargaro also injured Maverick Vinales will miss the Spanish MotoGP &#8211; planned replacement Pol Espargaro also injured. Peter McLaren Updated: 20 Apr 2026 Share Maverick Vinales, 2026 US MotoGP. \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose Add as a preferred source Red Bull KTM Tech3 has suffered a double [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-1893781","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1893781","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1893781"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1893781\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1893781"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1893781"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1893781"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}