Acting on medical advice, Viñales took the difficult decision to withdraw from the Grand Prix of The Unitd States before flying home to Europe to undergo surgery to remove a displaced screw in his shoulder. The Spaniard subsequently sat out of his home race at Jerez to prioritise his recovery, and following a visit to the Red Bull Athletic Performance Centre (APC), has made the decision to extend his absence to ensure he returns to his KTM machinery at full fitness.

Maverick Viñales said: "I've been working hard since the surgery to fully recover and have always had Le Mans in my head as my target race to return. However, after attending the APC this week, I have been advised that I am not yet strong enough to jump back on the bike. Whilst I am disappointed, I understand being back to full strength is the most important thing and I will keep my head down and prioritise that.”

With KTM reserve rider Pol Espargaró also continuing his own recovery programme, Tech3 and KTM have been evaluating replacement options. Jonas Folger, KTM 990 RC R development rider, has been confirmed as Viñales' stand-in for the Le Mans round.

No stranger to the MotoGP paddock, the 32-year-old German has made all 19 of his premier class starts with Tech3, impressing with a podium finish at his home race at the Sachsenring in 2017, and most recently stepping in as replacement rider for Espargaró in April 2023.

Jonas Folger said: “First of all, I want to wish Maverick a strong and quick recovery. On a personal level, I am really excited to be coming back together with all the guys at Tech3 — I have some history with this team and it will be great to see everyone again. Le Mans will be a big challenge, going back after so many years away from racing, and getting back on the bike  will mean adapting quickly and learning a lot across the weekend. It is going to be tough, for sure, but I believe the positives outweigh the difficulties and I am very much looking forward to it. I cannot wait.”

The appointment comes at a positive moment for the team as it continues the European leg of the 2026 season. Off the back of a strong performance in Jerez, where Enea Bastianini climbed to 10th in the riders' standings, Tech3 heads to its home race with growing momentum.

Nicolas Goyon said: “We have said from the very beginning that Maverick's health and his recovery is the most important thing, so whilst it is disappointing he will not be with us at our home race, he knows his own body and when he will be ready to return. It is an important weekend for us as we are racing in front of our friends, family and fans, so it will be great to have two bikes back on track and Jonas back with us at Tech3. Following the test in Jerez, Enea has made great progress on the bike and is feeling confident heading into the Grand Prix, so we are positive we can have a strong weekend at home.”