Vinales Out for British Grand Prix
Maverick Vinales will miss the British Grand Prix at Silverstone as his shoulder injury delays his return to the RC16.
KTM confirmed the decision after a summer review and a visit to the Red Bull Athlete Performance Centre.
Vinales, 31, sustained an injury at the Sachsenring in July 2025 that left his supraspinatus healed but revealed a new tear in the infraspinatus.
The Spanish rider has yet to finish higher than 11th this season and is grappling with limited external rotation strength.
Recovery Details and Team Decision
Further medical tests showed the shoulder’s internal rotation had improved, while external rotation remained weak.
Despite the full healing of the supraspinatus, the new tear in the infraspinatus requires a focused rehabilitation plan.
Vinales has openly expressed uncertainty about the length of his recovery, acknowledging that the second half of the season now begins with a hamper.
He has also criticized KTM’s management over contract handling, adding strain to the rider‑team relationship.
Espargaro Steps in and Season Implications
Pol Espargaro, KTM’s MotoGP test rider, will replace Vinales, making his first Grand Prix start of 2026 at round 12.
After retiring from MotoGP in 2023, Espargaro has filled in for Vinales on several occasions, fueling speculation of a permanent seat.
A prior operation in April failed to correct the shoulder deficit, leaving Vinales unsure of his prospects for 2027.
With the season’s second half on the horizon, Vinales’ rehabilitation timeline remains unclear, leaving his future on the grid in doubt.
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