Pol Espargaro has given the first indication that his seat at GasGas Factory Racing Tech3 might be under some threat for next season, despite having not yet started a MotoGP race as part of his fixed two-year contract.

The Spaniard is due to make his first start of the season at the British MotoGP at Silverstone once MotoGP resumes after its summer hiatus in August following a long spell out through injury.

Espargaro has been out of action since the opening round in Portugal following a crash during Friday’s P2 session, during which he sustained back injuries and was required to have his jaw wired shut for a month. The event was supposed to mark his return to the KTM fold - via the GasGas-branded Tech3-run satellite arm - after two seasons with Repsol Honda.

However, Espargaro’s return comes amid widespread speculation over KTM’s rider line-up for 2024 as it considers where to place its highly-rated Moto2 protege Pedro Acosta.

The teenager has made no secret of his intention to graduate to the premier class next year, despite KTM having three riders - including Espargaro - tied to fixed deals for 2024.

While this shifts the focus onto the only rider with a one-year deal, Augusto Fernandez, the rookie remains in good favour within the KTM fold. 

As such, some have suggested Espargaro, due his injury lay-off, might have some flexibility in his contract that could see him make way for Acosta, a scenario he is well aware of but not too concerned for now.

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“I have a two-year contract,” he said. “I’ve been injured and not even thinking about this [but] my contract is fixed until two years.

“Also KTM and GASGAS are not like a team at this moment, they are a family. I talk with Pit [Beirer], with Hubert [Trunkenpolz] like they are my friends, honestly.

“We chat super open, like about how the riders are doing. They were telling me what they think about new riders coming. I talked with them quite honestly and nice. So at the moment I’m just focussed on recovering and coming back, but you know, my contract is still one year and a half in advance [to go].”

However, Espargaro is aware he will need to get up to speed quickly upon his return to justify his presence, but humbly adds he would be prepared to make way for another rider if he can’t deliver.

“I just want to come back, do the results, and show them I need to stay. 

“If I don’t do better results or enough results to deserve to be here, I would be glad to move on the side and let a younger guy come in my place.

“But at the moment, I will prove that I still have some speed.”