MotoGP rules dictate each rider can only use a maximum of seven engines per season, although KTM (along with Aprilia) is permitted to use nine engines as part of a package of technical concessions.

However, Espargaro has been forced to take a 10th engine in second practice on Friday, meaning he will have to start from the pitlane for Sunday's race.

The Spaniard explained that the problem lies not with the engines themselves, but with the new specification of chassis he has raced with since September's Aragon race.

“We had a problem with the chassis," explained Espargaro. "In Aragon we tried one with new mounting points, which means the engines we had left over have become obsolete.

“The mounting points crack the engine and make them break, so we’ll have to use a new one, one that we initially wanted to use in the post-race test.”