– Under normal circumstances, Pol Espargaro would be in action next weekend in Le Mans as a MotoGP replacement for Maverick Vinales. But that will not happen – as was already the case in Jerez – because Espargaro himself has to pause due to injury.
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At least: This time KTM has signed Jonas Folger for the second bike at Tech3. In Jerez, it remained in the garage. A circumstance that particularly surprised the new team owner Günther Steiner, as Espargaro revealed at an event for the presentation of the Catalonia Grand Prix this week.
“For them, coming from Formula 1, it is unthinkable that a car stays in the box during a practice or race and does not go out to compete,” explains Espargaro. Steiner emphasized to him that such a scenario simply does not occur in Formula 1.
Injury came at a bad time
That it became reality for Tech3-KTM was due to the unfortunate circumstance that besides regular rider Vinales, replacement rider Espargaro also dropped out due to injury.
The Spaniard injured his left hand two weeks ago during a dirt-track training near Granollers. The injury is comparatively minor but still forces him to take a break and costs him valuable racing opportunities.
Due to Vinales’ absence, Espargaro could have stepped in multiple times as a replacement rider: at the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez, at the upcoming race in Le Mans, and possibly also at the home race in Barcelona. Currently, however, it is unclear when Vinales and also Espargaro will be fit to race again.
Photo gallery: The test and replacement riders of the MotoGP teams
“Certainly, this is the dumbest or least serious of all my injuries in my sporting career, but it requires some recovery time,” Espargaro clarifies. “I do not fully agree with Dr. Xavier Mir. I have certain dates in mind, but he sets others.”
But because the doctor has the final say, he has to be patient. Particularly bitter: As a replacement rider, Espargaro lives from such opportunities: “It may sound bad, but I spend the whole year waiting for such chances.”
“If a teammate drops out, I am there to help the factory and achieve a good result,” he emphasizes. “But to be competitive, I have to be in top form and train – and that again carries the risk of injury.”
Soon permanent replacement riders?
Against this background, a current proposal gains importance: MotoGP is considering introducing permanent replacement riders per manufacturer who travel to all races and can step in immediately in case a regular rider drops out.
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Espargaro explicitly supports this idea: “Personally, I consider it necessary.” At the same time, he also emphasizes the differences to Formula 1.
“MotoGP is not comparable to Formula 1: The risk a rider takes when he gets on a motorcycle on Saturday to replace a teammate injured on Friday is significantly greater than in a car,” Espargaro recalls.
Nevertheless, he also sees economic and sporting arguments: “It is true that from an economic point of view and for the sport, it is not ideal to leave a motorcycle standing in the box.” A solution for the future must be developed jointly by rights holder Liberty Media, the teams, and riders.
For himself, Espargaro makes it clear: “Personally, I am ready to take on this role as long as I am physically fit, and currently I am not.” The Spaniard is already on site at every Grand Prix as he works as a TV commentator for DAZN.
Understanding for Vinales
Espargaro also comments on Vinales’ situation, but with restraint. He has little contact, for good reason: “I speak little with Maverick because I understand how frustrating it must be for him to be in this situation – wanting to return and not being able to because of the injury.”
He knows from his own experience how stressful such phases are. “I have experienced it myself. I know how much you suffer, and you have to give him his space.”
Espargaro knows Vinales well. He is an “old-school rider” and a “true idealist” – someone who trains a lot and takes the sport very seriously. “For him, motorcycles are not a job but much more.” Therefore, it is out of the question that Vinales wants to return as soon as possible after repeated injuries.
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“He is the first to want to return, no one doubts that, but that depends on him being physically back in top form,” says Espargaro. Vinales last competed in Brazil. In early April, he had a loose screw removed from his left shoulder. Since then, rehab has been dragging on.
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