Dorna have now worked out their ‘Plan B’ if KTM decide to sell Tech3 in the 2026 MotoGP season

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Tech3 face enormous uncertainty in MotoGP amid rumours of a potential takeover from former F1 team principal Guenther Steiner and a departure from KTM.

The French satellite team have been operating in the premier class since 2001, with Herve Poncharal being at the helm for over 20 years. But the 68-year-old is now looking to call time on his MotoGP career and is looking at potential investors.

Steiner has been heavily linked with buying Tech3, with recent reports suggesting that a deal had been agreed and finalised. However, that is not the case, with Poncharal being ‘very annoyed’ by the rumours when nothing has been agreed.

But it is understood that the former Haas F1 team principal is close to securing a takeover. Steiner sought to ‘guarantee’ Tech3’s spot on the 2027 grid with Dorna; Poncharal wants to see the French team continue in MotoGP for the next five years.

But their operation could look very different in the near future, as reports suggested that Steiner wants Tech3 to run Ducati bikes. There is uncertainty as to whether they will stay with KTM.

Dorna have worked out a ‘Plan B’ for Tech3 to join Honda if KTM sell them in 2026

The Austrian manufacturer’s financial crisis over the winter break and into 2025 has prompted doubts surrounding their future in the premier class. KTM stress they are committed to MotoGP until at least 2026, but their plans beyond that are currently unknown.

Indian outfit Bajaj Auto have saved the company by securing a majority stake, but they are set to focus on cuts to keep KTM afloat. They even considered leaving MotoGP entirely, but while they have backtracked on the idea, their project could see major changes.

It had been reported that Bajaj could sell Tech3, with the Japanese giants Honda being willing to help the team, which would fulfil their desire to have a second satellite team alongside LCR and the factory HRC team.

Now, according to GPOne, Dorna have worked out a ‘Plan B’. Tech3 could join Honda as soon as 2026, if KTM decide to sell the team and run with just the factory outfit and riders Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder.

It is worth noting that ‘Poncharal would prefer to extend the cooperation with KTM’ until 2031. But if the manufacturer’s financial crisis continues, it seems that Honda will step in to keep Tech3 on the grid.

READ MORE: Everything to know about KTM Tech3 including the MotoGP team’s riders

What would a switch to Honda mean for Tech3 and its riders?

As aforementioned, Tech3 have been linked with joining Honda for some time. When talks first came about, it was even suggested that Jorge Martin could join Tech3, as he was in the middle of his contract dispute to leave Aprilia and sign with the Japanese manufacturer.

Now Martin is staying put for 2026, it decreases the chances that Tech3’s current riders would move next season. Steiner would keep Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini at the team if he completed a takeover.

It was reported earlier in the year that Bastianini would be ‘happy’ to see Tech3 switch to Honda bikes, as he has struggled to adapt to the RC16 at KTM. His teammate has fared much better, with Vinales even being the ‘benchmark’ for Acosta in 2025.

At this stage, nothing is confirmed in terms of a takeover for Tech3 or a move to Honda. However, the team will want clarity on the situation amid their uncertain future.