MotoGP, Sportrik Media - New Tech3 owner Guenther Steiner has admitted he is surprised by how quickly the 2027 MotoGP rider market has accelerated, despite the 2026 season only just beginning at Buriram.
The Thai Grand Prix marks Steiner’s first event since formally acquiring the Tech3 structure, previously led by Herve Poncharal. Yet before a competitive lap of 2026 has been completed, speculation is already intensifying around potential moves ahead of the incoming 850cc regulations in 2027. Among the names linked to major switches are Pedro Acosta, Francesco Bagnaia, Fabio Quartararo, Jorge Martin and Luca Marini.
Within the Tech3 camp, Maverick Viñales has been associated with a possible step up to the factory KTM squad should broader rider movements materialise. Steiner acknowledged that the timing of negotiations has been unexpected, particularly with long-term discussions surfacing before the current championship has even unfolded.
“Well, I'm very surprised how quickly the rider market starts here!” Steiner told MotoGP.com.
“It hit me a little bit because we haven't even started the season, and riders are already speaking about where they're going to be in ’27.”
Steiner also questioned how forward-looking commitments might affect short-term competitive focus.
“It’s a weird thing. We haven't started the season, and if a rider predicts to be somewhere else in ’27, the motivation for ’26 – I don’t know where it is?”
He added that Tech3 is still consolidating its new management structure and assessing its competitive position before engaging fully in long-term negotiations. On track, Viñales and team-mate Enea Bastianini finished 12th and 17th respectively during Friday Practice in Thailand, underlining the immediate performance priorities facing the team.
With the 850cc era set to redefine technical performance parameters from 2027 onward, the early movement in the rider market highlights the strategic importance manufacturers are placing on long-term planning. How those discussions influence competitive dynamics during the 2026 campaign remains to be seen as the championship progresses beyond its opening round.
Galeri Foto
Baca Juga
Marc Marquez akui belum mengendarai Ducati secara otomatis di MotoGP Thailand 2026 dan tertinggal dari Marco Bezzecchi.
Guenther Steiner terkejut dengan cepatnya pasar pembalap MotoGP 2027 jelang seri pembuka musim 2026 di Buriram.
Michele Pirro menerima penalti tiga posisi grid di MotoGP Thailand 2026 setelah insiden menghalangi Alex Marquez saat Practice.
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