Maverick Vinales will miss the British Grand Prix as his ongoing shoulder injury continues to hamper his 2026 MotoGP campaign, raising further questions over both his recovery and his future with KTM.
The 31-year-old Spaniard has struggled throughout the season after suffering a shoulder injury last July. Despite undergoing surgery in April, Vinales has yet to fully recover his strength and has been unable to perform at his best.
Further examinations at the Red Bull Athlete Performance Centre (APC) uncovered another issue. Doctors found a small tear in the infraspinatus muscle, which has been affecting the strength of his left arm during external rotation.
Vinales admitted that the latest setback came at a difficult time as the second half of the season gets underway.
"It's not the best news, as the second part of the season starts now. I don't know how long it's going to take, but I will put everything, as always, into this recovery."
His latest absence also comes at a crucial point in his KTM career. Vinales has been openly critical of the team's management, while reports have suggested that his chances of remaining on the MotoGP grid with KTM in 2027 are now looking increasingly uncertain.
Source: Solo Balapan
For the British Grand Prix at Silverstone from August 7 to 9, Tech3 KTM will turn to experienced test rider Pol Espargaro as Vinales' replacement.
Espargaro stepped away from full-time MotoGP competition at the end of 2023 but has remained closely involved with KTM as its MotoGP test rider. He also has experience standing in for Vinales, having replaced the Spaniard during the 2025 season.
His familiarity with KTM's RC16 makes Espargaro a natural choice for the team as it prepares for the 12th round of the championship.
However, his return could potentially last longer than a single weekend.
Reports suggest Espargaro may be considered as Vinales' replacement for the remainder of the season if the injury continues to keep the Spaniard sidelined. Such a move would give Tech3 greater stability while allowing Vinales to focus fully on his recovery.
For Vinales, the latest setback could prove particularly costly. With his KTM future already uncertain, missing more races could further complicate his efforts to secure a place on the MotoGP grid for 2027.
All eyes will now be on Silverstone, where Espargaro's performance could offer an early indication of whether KTM is preparing for a longer-term change while Vinales faces another difficult fight to return to full fitness.
