SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – The 2025 MotoGP season is heating up with some big changes ahead of the upcoming races at Phillip Island and Sepang. Red Bull KTM Tech3 rider Maverick Viñales has been sidelined due to a shoulder injury, prompting the return of Pol Espargaro for his third stint this year. The experienced rider will step into the breach, giving Viñales extra time to recover after a tough run of races. Fans are hopeful this break will see the Spaniard return stronger than ever.
Meanwhile, the grid is feeling the ripple effects of other injuries. World champion Marc Marquez won’t be racing at either event after undergoing shoulder surgery, with Ducati’s Michele Pirro tapped to replace him at Phillip Island. Aprilia’s Jorge Martin is also sitting out the Australian leg as he nurses his own injuries, leaving the field wide open for some unexpected contenders.
The reshuffle doesn’t stop there, with Trackhouse rider Ai Ogura’s participation still up in the air following a recent crash and surgery. With key names missing, the focus shifts to consistent performers who could seize the moment in these back-to-back flyaway rounds. Phillip Island’s fast curves and Sepang’s challenging layout promise an exciting showdown, and punters are already buzzing about who might take the chequered flag.
Espargaro, who scored solid results in Czechia and Hungary earlier this year, is keen to make his mark. “Phillip Island is a circuit I really like,” he said, though he admitted it’s been a while since his last ride there. Team manager Aki Ajo praised the veteran’s flexibility, noting, “We couldn’t wish for a better rider than Pol to step in.” With the season nearing its climax, all eyes will be on how these changes play out Down Under and beyond.
