Marco Bezzecchi
KTM have been a part of the MotoGP paddock since 2017, but their future in the field is now up in the air ahead of the Austrian outfit’s contract expiring at the end of 2026.
Dorna Sports last reached an agreement with KTM to keep the Munderfing-based squad on the grid through 2026 back in August 2019. But any discussions about a new deal may have to be put on hold, as KTM CEO Gottfried Neumeister is actively looking for fresh investment.
Neumeister recently revealed that KTM are looking to secure fresh investment by Christmas, and they would very much welcome a partner who could cover 30% of their operating costs. It is also claimed that parent company Bajaj wants £88m to sell the KTM MotoGP team now.
Questions have been growing for the last year about whether or not KTM will remain on the grid into the 2027 MotoGP regulations era following the Munderfing natives’ financial issues at the end of 2024. The uncertainty might even see Tech3 stop being the satellite KTM team.
CEO Gottfried Neumeister is encouraged by rival teams wanting to explore a satellite KTM deal
Neumeister says KTM’s priority is to find an agreement with Tech3 that would see the team continue being their de facto second factory entry beyond the 2026 MotoGP season. Tech3 left Yamaha after almost two decades with the Japanese brand to link up with KTM in 2019.
READ MORE: Everything to know about KTM from the MotoGP team’s riders to hierarchy
But while Tech3 are KTM’s “Plan A” for 2027 and potentially beyond, Neumeister also notes that other independent MotoGP teams have expressed their interest in opening talks about a satellite deal. Dorna is currently finalising its contracts with MotoGP teams for 2027-2031.
“KTM and Tech3 have been working closely together for seven years, and a lot has been achieved,” he told SPEEDWEEK.” Continuing this successful partnership is also our Plan A.”
He added: “Team bosses from other independent MotoGP structures have also expressed a need for discussion.
“It’s encouraging to see that others also understand KTM’s potential and recognise our extraordinary hunger for victory and our commitment to continuous improvement.”
Tech3 and KTM could join the growing market for MotoGP teams ahead of the 2027 regulations
It remains to be seen which independent MotoGP teams may try to move to the KTM stable for the 2027 season. It has been reported that Dorna would look to unite Tech3 with Honda if KTM were to leave MotoGP. It has also been suggested that Tech3 could opt to walk away.
READ MORE: Everything to know about KTM Tech3 including the MotoGP team’s riders
Before Guenther Steiner finalised a deal to lead a consortium in buying the team earlier this year, it was said that the F1 cult hero would like Tech3 to possibly become a satellite Ducati team. There may be an opening in the Borgo Panigale brand’s ranks for Tech3 soon, as well.
VR46 could leave Ducati to join forces with Aprilia, who might expand to a three-team outfit in the future. Although, it is also thought that current satellite Aprilia crew Trackhouse are in talks with Honda, as the market for MotoGP teams explodes ahead of the 2027 regulations.
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