Marco Bezzecchi
KTM are not considering working with any satellite team other than Tech3 for the 2027 MotoGP season, Pit Beirer says.
The French outfit, now owned by former Haas F1 boss Guenther Steiner, have worked with KTM since leaving Yamaha in 2019. Tech3’s contract is up in 2026, but their future with the Austrian manufacturer is uncertain.
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KTM’s financial crisis over the past 18 months has led to speculation that owners, Bajaj Auto, could sell Tech3’s bikes and run with just the two factory team machines from 2027. Subsequently, Steiner’s team has begun negotiations with other manufacturers.
Honda have long been in talks with Tech3 as they hope to have six bikes on the grid for 2027. But as discussions advance, KTM boss Beirer is confident that their line-up will remain the same for next year.
Pit Beirer ‘confident’ that Tech3 will stay with KTM amid Honda talks
According to Motorsport-Magazin, ‘some insiders in the paddock’ believe that Tech3 have already decided to join Honda. But speaking with the publication, Beirer disagrees and is hopeful that KTM will retain their satellite team.
“We are very confident,” he said. “Tech3 is the only team in the paddock facing a fresh start. Therefore, they don’t want to simply continue with business as usual.”
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Beirer discussed the offer from Honda, saying that there is not much difference between theirs and KTM’s: “Financially, there isn’t much difference between our offer and Honda’s. It’s about other things. But as I said, I’m confident.”
With KTM still in talks with Tech3, Beirer confirms that there is no ‘Plan B’: “There are indications from other teams who would like to talk to us, but we don’t want to consider that option.
“We want to keep Tech3 because there are many people there with whom we have a very trusting working relationship. We’re not actively looking for alternatives at the moment.”
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Pit Beirer insists a decision on Tech3’s future must be made ‘soon’, Guenther Steiner has set his timeline
Beirer then added: “A decision needs to be made soon, because there are still many other things to clarify afterwards: Which riders will be used? What will the crews look like?”
The satellite team agrees, as Steiner says Tech3 will decide within two to four weeks whether to continue with KTM or sign with Honda.
MotoGP SEG are worried about Honda signing Tech3, as it would leave KTM with just two bikes on the grid. Beirer has all but confirmed that that will be the case if the French team switches factories, as they are not speaking with other teams.
Subsequently, the sport’s governing body are worried that KTM could leave the sport altogether, as two bikes will limit their competitiveness and development.
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