Marco Bezzecchi
Tech3’s conversations with Honda in MotoGP have been going on for some time amid fears over KTM’s financial crisis and future in the sport.
The French team have been with KTM since they left Yamaha in 2019. Entering their eighth season with the manufacturer in 2026, Tech3 have had limited success, with Miguel Oliveira winning two races in 2020.
This year could be their last with KTM, as their contract expires at the end of the season. Amid the uncertainty surrounding the Austrian factory’s future, Tech3’s new owner, Guenther Steiner, has been in talks with Honda.
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The Japanese giants want to match Ducati and have six bikes on the grid in 2027. KTM’s financial woes have opened the door for Tech3 to make the switch from RC16s to RC213Vs.
It was widely reported that owners Bajaj Auto could sell Tech3’s bikes and run with just the two factory team machines. The Indian company did consider pulling the plug on the project entirely, but now want to stay and see Liberty Media’s impact on MotoGP.
Tech3 have been speaking to Honda since 2024 amid concerns that KTM would ‘completely collapse’
But KTM’s situation over the past few months has put Tech3’s future in doubt. The Austrian manufacturer went into insolvency at the end of 2024, reporting significant debts.
After various cuts, Bajaj stepped in to stabilise the company and keep it running. But in 2026, there is still uncertainty surrounding the longevity of the MotoGP project, hence why Tech3 began to explore their options.
A report from Speedweek says that it is an ‘open secret’ that the French team began negotiations with Honda back in 2024. They wanted to ‘establish an alternative’ in case KTM ‘completely collapsed’ and they were left without bikes.
Ducati were also linked with Tech3 amid rumours that Gresini would be leaving in 2027 after the fallout from Fermin Aldeguer’s move to VR46. But with Nadia Padovani’s team now set to stay put, Honda is Tech3’s ‘only option’ if they are to leave KTM.
Ultimately, the decision lies with the team boss. Steiner wants to stay with KTM, but he also wants ‘certain guarantees’ about their path in MotoGP, as their recent results have been lacking.
READ MORE: Everything to know about KTM Tech3 including the MotoGP team’s riders
Pit Beirer wants Tech3 to stay at KTM in 2027
If Tech3 were to leave KTM, they would go back to their ‘pre-2019 setup’ for 2027 with just the factory team and its two bikes.
This is ‘not appealing for KTM, nor the sport. MotoGP SEG are worried about Tech3 joining Honda as they fear it could spark the Mattighofen outfit’s exit.
Predict the order of the KTM riders in the 2026 MotoGP standings
Speaking to Speedweek, KTM boss Pit Beirer confirmed that talks are ongoing with Steiner to secure Tech3’s services, expressing that he wants the team to stay on board.
He said: “We are currently continuing talks with Günther Steiner and definitely want to keep the team on KTM.”
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