Claudio Domenicali has formed a close bond with MotoGP team boss who wants to buy Ducati bikes

Add as preferred source on Google

Ducati have remained the dominant force in MotoGP in 2025. It is no surprise that some teams are looking to run with their bikes.

The Borgo Panigale outfit have won the last six constructors’ titles, claiming their seventh at the Catalan GP this year. Ducati are guaranteed to have a rider at the top of MotoGP in 2025 as Marc Marquez can seal the title at Motegi this weekend.

Winning all but three races all season, including Sprints, the manufacturer are expected to repeat their success in 2026 before the regulations change. Ducati have already been testing their 2027 bike to prepare for the new era.

It is not surprising to see Ducati dominating the title when they have more bikes on the grid than any other manufacturer. They went from eight machines to six in 2025 following Pramac’s departure to Yamaha, after winning last season with Jorge Martin.

Gresini and VR46 will stay alongside the factory Ducati outfit until their contracts expire in 2026. But they could be joined by another outfit that is planning to come on board.

Claudio Domenicali has a close bond with Guenther Steiner as he plans to buy Ducati bikes for Tech3

MotoGP saw a major change in the paddock at the Catalan GP as Guenther Steiner confirmed his takeover of Tech3. The former Haas F1 team principal had been negotiating a deal with Herve Poncharal for some time.

Steiner will not be Tech3’s team principal as he is more focused on running the team as a CEO. But he has reportedly some interesting plans for the French outfit amid their uncertainty at KTM, due to the manufacturer’s well-documented financial crisis.

Bajaj could sell Tech3 and run KTM in MotoGP with just the factory team. It has been reported that Steiner wants Tech3 to run with Ducati bikes, and the 60-year-old has the right contacts with the Borgo Panigale outfit.

Speaking with Speedweek, Steiner shared that he has gotten to know Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali, as well as having conversations with Davide Tardozzi and Luigi Dall’Igna over the years.

He said: “I already know a few people in the paddock, but only a few really well, of course. Davide Brivio is certainly one of them from his time at Renault.

“I also know Davide Tardozzi better, who has visited me several times in Formula 1. I would also call Paolo Campinoti a friend – I’ve known him for many years.

“I had the pleasure of getting to know Claudio Domenicali well years ago. I know Gigi Dall’Igna, but not very well. I also learned to respect Yamaha manager Lin Jarvis a long time ago.”

READ MORE: Everything to know about Tech3 owner Guenther Steiner, including F1 history

Dorna have a different plan in mind for Tech3 if they leave KTM

Given that Ducati had three satellite teams in 2024, it would be possible for Tech3 to agree a deal with the manufacturer if they were to part ways with KTM.

The French team have enjoyed a resurgence in the past few races after Enea Bastianini scored Tech3 a podium at Montmelo. The Italian had been struggling with the RC16 and is starting to find his feet, but those results must keep coming for KTM.

Neil Hodgson warned Steiner that Tech3 must continue to perform if they are to convince KTM to stay in MotoGP. Bajaj had considered pulling the manufacturer out of the sport before saving them from insolvency.

KTM are committed to motorsport until 2026, but beyond that, they face uncertainty, and that puts Tech3 in a difficult situation. While Steiner has his sights on Ducati, Dorna’s ‘Plan B’ for Tech3 is Honda, as the Japanese giants plan to bring in a second satellite team next to LCR.