Pol Espargaró Returns to the Saddle for Red Bull KTM Tech3 at Brno

Veteran rider Pol Espargaró is set to make a surprise return to MotoGP action this weekend, stepping in for Maverick Viñales at the Red Bull KTM Tech3 team for Round 12 – the final Grand Prix before the summer break. Espargaró fills the void left by Viñales, who sustained a shoulder injury during a dramatic Q2 crash in the wet at Sachsenring last Saturday.

While Viñales begins his road to recovery, the KTM paddock welcomes back a familiar face. Espargaró, now 34, is no stranger to the KTM family, having previously raced with the squad during some of their most competitive seasons. He joins a reinvigorated Enea Bastianini in the pit box, who himself has bounced back from recent surgery for appendicitis.

The venue for this weekend’s action is Brno – a circuit steeped in MotoGP history and last featured in the calendar in 2020. That year, Espargaró was a serious contender, qualifying sixth and battling for a podium finish. Now, with the track resurfaced and a lot of development since his last ride, he’s looking forward to shaking off the cobwebs and contributing to the KTM project.

“Obviously, it’s never a good thing to take part in a GP because you have to replace an injured rider,” Espargaró said. “So, first of all, I want to wish a speedy recovery to Maverick. I will try to do my best this weekend, also trying to help as much as possible my teammates and the technicians. The last time we raced here I felt super-good in my best period with KTM, so let’s see how it is with the new surface. I don’t have any expectations apart from enjoying the weekend and having some useful days for our project.”

Team Manager Aki Ajo echoed Espargaró’s sentiments and welcomed the Spaniard’s return as a timely reinforcement.

“We’re pleased that Maverick’s surgery has gone well so far and he now has a few extra weeks to get better and prepared for our home race in August. Thanks to Pol for stepping in and making sure our MotoGP effort can be at full strength for this Grand Prix. We have been making progress every weekend up to this half-season point, and Pol obviously has deep knowledge of the bike, our work, the Red Bull KTM Tech3 team and Brno itself.”

With the summer break looming and valuable championship points on offer, all eyes will be on the Czech Republic this weekend as Espargaró reunites with KTM machinery and looks to inject experience and stability into the Tech3 garage.