POL ESPARGARO STEPS IN FOR MAVERICK VIÑALES IN SPIELBERG AND TALKS ACOSTA’S TITLE-WIN HOPES

Pol Espargaro will return to the Red Bull Ring this coming weekend as the guest rider for Red Bull-Tech3 KTM, stepping in again for Maverick Viñales in Austria. The Spaniard, who is 35, replaces Viñales at the Spielberg circuit for the second consecutive time, after a notable Friday performance at the San Marino Grand Prix in Misano where he reached Q2 directly by going through as ninth.

For Espargaro, the Austrian track holds special meaning. In 2020, riding a Red Bull KTM, he was involved in a fierce fight for victory with Jack Miller (Pramac-Ducati). In the closing stages, Miguel Oliveira (Tech3-KTM) outsmarted both riders in the final corner to take the win. Looking ahead to his 300th MotoGP start, Espargaro said he wants to begin the weekend in a “round and good” way, adding: “It will be my 300th Grand Prix – that’s crazy, right? My head has changed, but I’m still hungry. We have tested a lot here in the past.”

Despite cooler, damp conditions on Thursday, Espargaro sounded upbeat about the weather and how it affects the bike and tyres. He described the circuit as a place he genuinely enjoys, saying: “It’s a place that I love, I love the weather. When I looked out the window today, I thought, ‘I need a jacket’—finally it’s not really hot. With the Michelin tyres, temperature-wise it’s always right at the limit—this feeling is something I love.” He also noted that he had already sensed rain was coming: “I felt yesterday that it would rain today.”

Espargaro also linked his confidence at Spielberg to past results and recent testing. He said the track is one where he has good memories and where he knows he can be fast and still secure a strong outcome: “It’s a circuit where I have good memories—where I know I can be quick and still get a good result.” He contrasted his earlier start at Silverstone—when he was still some way off—with the current situation, pointing to recent speed in Misano and a test in Mugello. “The 850 is getting faster and faster,” he said, adding that during the Mugello test they were already close to Bulega and Ducati.

In the paddock, Espargaro was also asked about KTM’s rising star Pedro Acosta and whether he can turn his form into a win at Spielberg. “I hope that it’s as far as that this weekend,” Espargaro said. “If there is a place, then it must be here. There are hard braking zones.” He added that after Acosta’s strong results in Aragon and Misano, the next step should come soon, while admitting he wasn’t sure “how much” better it could be at Spielberg or whether it will be enough for victory.

Espargaro, who is also involved in developing the 850 and will ride the bike in Spielberg on Monday, spoke highly of Acosta’s situation: “Pedro has deserved it. He should have won a race much earlier.” He suggested Acosta’s talent is already there, saying: “It doesn’t mean he’s not good enough. He’s just sick.”

Off-track, Espargaro acknowledged the strain of his busy schedule. He joked that at home his wife has been complaining: “My wife has already scolded me—‘you’ll never stop!’ I check everything that’s happening in front of me, with maybe the biggest passion.” He said he enjoys the work in his own way even when conditions are “hot and hard,” but he does not expect to be doing overseas events for much longer. “I don’t think I’ll do overseas events,” he said. “It takes so much time. I want to be at home.”

Regarding Viñales, Espargaro suggested the younger rider is closer to his usual form but may still need a little time to reach full race pace. “Maverick is closer to the form to ride,” he said, while also explaining the team’s need for a rider ready for race conditions: “Austria is a very important Grand Prix—even for the factory—and they need someone on the bike who is ready for the races. Maverick might need a bit more time to reach his normal speed.” He also said he had been in contact with Viñales, noting that the Spaniard is connected with KTM, Red Bull and the medical side, and that “he feels better” and that “his test results were good, as far as I know,” with hopes that the improvement will carry into Japan.

Finally, Espargaro pointed to the broader calendar, saying that the most important phase for 2027 begins while racing continues in Japan, and that the team plans a test in Jerez during that period. “Now then, the most important phase of the year for 2027 starts—while they’re racing in Japan,” he said, before adding that they will also conduct a test in Jerez.