Tech3 must pursue a new deal with potential MotoGP ally as 2027 ‘Plan B’ could be gone

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Tech3 could be heading into their final season as a KTM satellite team in 2026 as new MotoGP regulations beckon.

Their rider line-up remains the same, with Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini each returning for another season.

New owner Guenther Steiner will be hoping for some better results this year, with third place having been their best result in 2025.

Tech3’s current KTM supply deal was signed in May 2021, with a five-year contract that is set to end at the end of the upcoming campaign.

Bastianini was unable to work on a ‘crucial’ factor at the post-season test, and hone his setup on a new bike ahead of next season.

It comes not long after Bastianini faced a ‘brutal’ issue at Tech3, which really held him back on a Sunday. He has to find a way to qualify better.

READ MORE: Guenther Steiner reveals why he decided to buy Tech3’s MotoGP team in 2025

Tech3 must pursue Ducati deal as ‘Plan B’ Honda deal threatens to slip away

Tech3’s ‘PlanB’ for 2027 was Honda, after hearing about potential KTM cuts within their motorsport division.

However, Trackhouse have ‘already started negotiations’ with Honda for 2027, which could take their back-up plan off the table.

Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali has a close bond with Steiner, and he has already shared his interest in running their bikes before.

With the recent news that VR46 could ‘finalise an agreement’ to ditch Ducati and pair up with Aprilia, there could be an opening with the Italian manufacturer.

That would be perfect for Tech3 to take, and given the relationships already in place, is something they should be exploring immediately.

It would make them a contender for victories from 2027, and perhaps help them to attract even stronger riders in the future.

READ MORE: KTM CEO issues deadline for new investment to buy into their MotoGP team amid future doubts

Which MotoGP manufacturer was Tech3 paired with before KTM?

Tech3 have been in partnership with KTM for six years now, beginning their journey with them at the start of the 2019 season.

When they announced the move back in 2018, it was a bit of a shock within the paddock. At the time, the Austrian manufacturer were only in their second season.

But Herve Poncharal was willing to take a punt on a new deal. What he left behind was a nearly 20-year partnership with Yamaha.

Only they really know whether it was the right move, but having a Ducati bike could transform their operation. Now five years since their last premier class victory, they could be back in the hunt again.