Pol Espargaro believes Maverick Vinales could make his MotoGP return at next weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix, potentially bringing an end to his four-race spell as the Tech3 KTM stand-in rider.
Vinales has been sidelined since the German Grand Prix as he continues to recover from a long-standing left shoulder injury. Espargaro has stepped in for the Spaniard at the past four rounds, including the Austrian Grand Prix, where he finished 16th.
However, Vinales took an encouraging step towards a comeback at last Monday’s Red Bull Ring test. After returning to a MotoGP bike for the first time since July, he reportedly posted the fastest time among the riders using adapted 1000cc machinery during the Pirelli test.
Although Tech3 had yet to officially confirm Vinales’ participation in Japan, Espargaro believes Motegi could be an ideal place for his teammate to return.
“In Japan, we feel that Maverick is getting closer to the place to race, to come back with his bike,” Espargaro said.
“Maverick, maybe he will need some time to go back to his normal speed. So Japan would be perfect for him.”
Source: Crash.net
The timing is also important for Espargaro, who is due to return to his role as KTM’s test rider and focus on development of the manufacturer’s new 850cc MotoGP machine.
KTM is entering a crucial stage of its preparations for the 2027 regulations, with several tests planned during the upcoming overseas races.
Espargaro admitted that missing one of those sessions to race in Japan would be difficult for the project.
“Now it's starting the most important moment of the year for the 2027 development,” he explained.
“We have a couple of tests while the overseas races are on, and it's very important to do them. So if I need to go to Japan and then miss a test, it would be super painful for the project.”
For now, Vinales’ return remains unconfirmed. But his positive showing at the Red Bull Ring test has provided an encouraging sign after several months of dealing with his shoulder problem.
If he is fit enough to race at Motegi, Espargaro will likely return to KTM’s 850cc development programme, allowing the team to regain an important test rider at a critical stage of its preparations for the 2027 MotoGP era.
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