Maverick Vinales will not be back in action this weekend at the Portuguese Grand Prix as he will have 'an extra week of recovery'.

As it was previously reported, Maverick Vinales was attempting to return to MotoGP duties this weekend at the Portuguese Grand Prix.

However, it has been decided by the Red Bull KTM Tech3 squad that he will not be able to return to racing this weekend at Portimao. The Spaniard will remain on the sidelines with the aim of returning next week for the season finale in Valencia.

Vinales looks likely to appear at the Valencia Grand Prix across the 14th, 15th, and 16th of November, before the post-season test at the same circuit on the 18th of November.

"It has been decided together with KTM to give an extra week of recovery to Maverick Viñales," Nicolas Goyon, Red Bull KTM Tech3, Team Manager, stated.

"Portimao is physically really demanding, and the focus is to have Maverick in the best condition possible in Valencia, which will be followed by the test.

"Pol Espargaro will therefore once again step in to replace Maverick. The last time Pol was in Portimao was in 2023, when he was seriously injured, so it will be a good opportunity for him to reconnect with this track."

Espargaro added: "Honestly, I was not expecting to have to substitute Maverick again, but I understand this is the best decision to have him fully recovered as soon as possible, the most important thing for the KTM project.

"As I always say, this is part of my duties as a test rider and I will try again to be as helpful as possible to the factory and to the other riders. We have been working last week in Jerez, so let’s see if we can continue gaining more positive info to improve our bike.

"This circuit is, in some way, special for me. The last time I competed there, things didn’t finish well, so I see this weekend as a challenge for me. In any case, I’m really looking forward to facing it."