MAVERICK VINALES RULED OUT OF MISANO AGAIN AS POL ESPARGARO CONTINUES STAND-IN ROLE

Tech3 has confirmed that Maverick Vinales will not take part in the 2026 San Marino Grand Prix at Misano due to a long-running shoulder problem. The 31-year-old has been managing a left shoulder injury for the past 13 months, tracing back to surgery after a crash in qualifying for the 2025 German Grand Prix. Doctors have identified a small tear in Vinales’ infraspinatus muscle, affecting shoulder stability, and he has been sidelined since the 2026 British Grand Prix.

With Vinales again ruled out, KTM test rider Pol Espargaro will deputise for Tech3 at Misano next week. Motorsport.com and Autosport report that after competing at the British and Aragon Grands Prix, Espargaro will race in San Marino with the team, replacing Vinales as his recovery continues with “ups and downs.” Tech3 says Espargaro will return for Misano as they monitor Vinales’ progress, with the Spaniard hoping to be back on the bike in time for Spielberg.