Honda are ‘worrying’ MotoGP SEG as they move ‘close’ to convincing Tech3 to leave KTM

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MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group (SEG) is worried that KTM may become the new Suzuki, with Tech3 in advanced talks about becoming a satellite Honda team for 2027.

Tech3 are currently the sole satellite KTM crew, a role they have held since the French outfit left the Yamaha fold from the 2019 MotoGP season. But as Tech3’s contract with KTM is due to end at the close of 2026, they are understood to have caught the attention of Honda now.

Honda are very keen on the idea of expanding their satellite stable for the start of MotoGP’s 2027 regulations era. The Japanese constructor currently have a close partnership with LCR, but they want to run six works-spec bikes from 2027 to gain more data to develop their bike.

It is said that Honda tried to convince Gresini to leave the satellite Ducati stable for 2027, as the Italian team were their top target. However, it is said that Ducati have convinced Gresini to sign a new satellite contract, despite the expectation that Fermin Aldeguer will join VR46.

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MotoGP SEG is worried that Tech3 joining Honda in 2027 could tempt KTM to leave

Honda quickly pivoted from Gresini to Tech3 in their search for a second satellite squad, and their negotiations now appear to be progressing well. According to MotorPasionMoto, Honda and Tech3 are ‘close’ to securing an agreement that will leave KTM without a satellite squad.

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

KTM had wanted Tech3 to remain a part of their ranks in 2027 in order to have four bikes on the grid next term. The development of the Austrian brand’s 850cc bike is already underway, but they face the risk of fielding the fewest bikes on the grid among the five manufacturers.

The idea of Tech3 joining Honda for 2027 is also ‘worrying’ for MotoGP SEG (renamed from Dorna Sports this February). MotoGP SEG is concerned that Tech3 leaving KTM could tempt the Austrian crew to withdraw like Suzuki at the end of 2022, when they had just two bikes.

MotoGP SEG fears the prospect of KTM pulling the plug on their project, especially as there is currently no official contract tying the brand to the championship beyond 2026. KTM and the other four manufacturers are still in talks with MotoGP over their collective agreement.

It is unlikely that KTM would withdraw from MotoGP on the basis of Tech3 joining Honda in 2027 on its own. But MotoGP SEG fears Tech3 leaving KTM without a satellite team may put a seed of doubt in the Austrian brand’s mind about their long-term role in the premier class.

KTM’s future in MotoGP has already been a point of discussion for the past year after their financial troubles arose at the end of 2024. And while reports emerged in March that Bajaj Auto has taken KTM off the market, the team’s parent company selling still poses a threat.