Guenther Steiner must activate Dorna’s ‘Plan B’ for Tech3 after hearing worrying noises from KTM

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Guenther Steiner will join the MotoGP paddock in 2026 as he assumes control of Tech3, but he is walking into a difficult situation with KTM.

The former Formula 1 team principal will take over from Herve Poncharal as CEO of Tech3 next season. He will be hoping to lead the team forward, with Steiner keeping Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini on board for 2026.

While there is excitement surrounding his arrival, it comes as KTM face a desperate financial crisis. While owners Bajaj Auto have saved the company from shutting down, they are set to focus on cuts, given the lack of success from the manufacturer in MotoGP.

Neil Hodgson sent a warning to Steiner that Bajaj will pull KTM out of the premier class if they do not start winning. Given the Indian company’s plans for the future, the 60-year-old needs to consider alternative options for Tech3.

Guenther Steiner must find a new manufacturer for Tech3 as KTM begin motorsport cuts

In some ways, the French team can be relaxed, as Steiner has secured Tech3’s future beyond 2027 with his takeover. However, what this has not secured is their contract with KTM, which expires in 2026.

It was recently reported that Bajaj will cut KTM’s costs by 50%, which includes their motorsport division. Reports previously suggested that Bajaj could sell Tech3 and run with just the factory team, currently spearheaded by Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder, in the future.

Cuts are already happening across KTM’s motorsport division, with Pit Beirer confirming via Speedweek that their Dakar Rally line-up has gone from eight riders to three. With this, it is entirely possible that Tech3 could be sold – Steiner must act now to find a new manufacturer.

Beirer said about KTM’s future: “Take the Dakar Rally, for example. Our involvement isn’t up for debate; it’s part of the company, and we’ll continue with it.

“Nevertheless, we’ve reduced the number of factory riders from eight to three. That hurt, but it was an investment in KTM’s future. Now we have the two best rally riders plus the best newcomer.

“Of course, this makes things more competitive, there’s less room for error, as Dakar demonstrates – but it’s never been easy.

“It’s not about turning the business model upside down, but about looking at cost center by cost center. We’re taking this very seriously, but it doesn’t mean we’re withdrawing from racing classes altogether. Everything we tackle has to be of the highest quality; we all agree on that.”

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

Dorna’s ‘Plan B’ is for Tech3 to join Honda, Guenther Steiner must begin negotiations

Tech3’s new owner already has some plans for what he wants for the team. It was reported that Steiner wants Tech3 to run with Ducati bikes in the future.

Steiner has a close relationship with Claudio Domenicali, which could facilitate a move for Tech3 to become a Ducati satellite team. However, Dorna have other ideas for if, or when, KTM parts ways with the French outfit.

Dorna’s ‘Plan B’ was for Tech3 to join Honda if they left KTM, with the Japanese giants keen to have a second satellite squad. Given their financial power in the sport and their plans for the 2027 technical regulations, as well as KTM’s crisis, Steiner must activate the plan and begin negotiations.

It would also be a favoured move for Tech3’s riders, especially Bastianini, who was reportedly keen to see the team run with Honda bikes. Bastianini tried to leave his KTM contract earlier in the year as he struggled to adapt to the RC16.