– Where is Tech3 heading in the future? While new contracts between teams, manufacturers, and MotoGP are still being worked on behind the scenes, the satellite team must prepare for a crucial decision for 2027: Will they stay with KTM or switch to Honda?
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Team manager Nicolas Goyon confirms that besides KTM, Honda is also a concrete option. “Günther is also talking to Honda,” the Frenchman explains to Motorsport.com, a partner site of Motorsport-Total.com. Günther Steiner has been leading the strategic talks since taking over the team.
New MotoGP contracts cause delays
The complicated situation is closely linked to ongoing negotiations about the future of MotoGP. Until now, there were different contracts between Dorna and the factory teams or the independent teams. From 2027, the structure is apparently to be standardized.
“We, the independent teams, have done our work with Dorna,” says Goyon. “The contracts are not yet signed, but we are in the final phase.”
According to the Frenchman, the talks are basically on a good path. Nevertheless, the lack of a final agreement currently means that many decisions in the paddock are officially still on hold. “As long as nothing is signed, many announcements cannot be made,” Goyon explains with regard to still pending rider and manufacturer contracts.
However, he does not see a serious risk for the future of MotoGP despite the stalled negotiations. “I don’t think any manufacturer will say: ‘We have no agreement with Dorna, so we are withdrawing from the championship.'”
Tech3 faces possible manufacturer change
While many other teams have apparently already clarified their future internally, Tech3 is still in the middle of the decision-making process. According to Goyon, talks with KTM are still positive, but Steiner is consciously exploring alternatives.
“He is looking at the market, analyzing the different possibilities, and does not want to make a hasty decision,” Goyon explains the approach of the team owner.
Honda is currently considered a serious alternative. For months, there has been talk in the paddock that Honda wants to establish a third team in MotoGP long-term alongside the factory team and LCR. Tech3 would be a logical partner for this. But at the same time, the connection to KTM remains close.
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Photo gallery: The motorcycles and teams of the 2026 MotoGP season
Since 2019, Tech3 has been working with the Austrians, recently receiving practically factory material and two full factory riders with Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales.
KTM itself is fighting hard to continue the partnership. Motorsport chief Pit Beirer recently even called Tech3 “priority number 1” for the future of the project. With a change, KTM would lose its only customer team.
The manufacturer question blocks the rider market 2027
For Goyon, it is clear that the decision must be made urgently – especially because of rider planning for 2027. “We have riders who want to talk to us,” he says openly. “But currently, we cannot offer them a clear plan.”
Therefore, the team manager is pushing internally for a quick clarification of the brand question. “It is absolutely crucial to first determine the manufacturer,” emphasizes Goyon.
The situation is further complicated by the new MotoGP regulations from 2027. With the new 850cc prototypes, a new development phase practically starts from scratch for all manufacturers. “The base will initially be similar,” explains Goyon. “After that, everything will be decided by development.”
Test planning also depends on the decision
Even the preparation for the new motorcycle generation is already influenced by the open manufacturer question. The first tests of the 2027 prototypes will start soon, but initially only with the factory teams. For Tech3, the test in Spielberg, scheduled for September 21, 2026, will be especially relevant. But even there, much depends on what the future of the team will look like.
“If we stay with KTM, we might get access to the 850 prototype,” says Goyon. “If we switch to Honda, that will of course be difficult.” However, nothing is final yet. “I think there is a clear tendency,” says Goyon. “Now only the last details need to be clarified.”
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