Tech3 has officially ended speculation linking the team with a move to Honda after confirming a new multi-year partnership extension with KTM ahead of MotoGP’s new 850cc and Pirelli era starting in 2027.
The official announcement was made during the 2026 Catalan MotoGP weekend and guarantees that the Tech3-KTM partnership, which began in 2019, will continue into one of the biggest regulatory transitions in modern MotoGP history.
Over recent months, Tech3 had been strongly linked to a potential switch to Honda following the arrival of a new ownership structure led by former Formula 1 team boss Guenther Steiner earlier this season.


From a technical perspective, maintaining continuity with KTM is considered highly important because all MotoGP manufacturers are already preparing for the transition to 850cc engines and Pirelli tyres from 2027 onward. Project stability is expected to become a crucial factor in adapting quickly to the new motorcycle characteristics and aerodynamic regulations.
"In motorsport, the strongest partnerships are often the ones you know inside out. With KTM and Tech3, we are not starting from zero," Steiner explained.
He also stressed that the foundation already built with KTM over recent seasons offers a major advantage heading into the new regulatory cycle.
"That continuity puts us in the best possible position to adapt quickly and remain competitive once the new regulations arrive," Steiner added.
Despite the KTM-Tech3 extension now being confirmed, no official announcement has yet been made regarding the team’s rider line-up for next season or the future of Red Bull as title sponsor, amid speculation the energy drink giant may no longer support all four RC16 machines from 2027.
Tech3 currently sits 10th in the MotoGP teams’ championship with Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales. KTM still holds contract options on both riders for next season.
According to MotoGP paddock reports, KTM’s factory squad is also expected to pursue an all-new rider line-up featuring Alex Marquez and Fabio di Giannantonio from next year onward.
Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsport director, stated that the manufacturer remains extremely pleased to continue working with Tech3 and believes the collaboration remains a key part of KTM’s long-term MotoGP strategy.
"There is strong belief inside the factory and together we are looking toward 2027 and beyond with full focus on competing at the highest possible level," said Beirer.
Although the Tech3 agreement is now finalised, negotiations over MotoGP’s next long-term commercial contract involving all five manufacturers and championship promoter SEG are still ongoing.



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