Marco Bezzecchi
Brad Binder may have got a lifeline for his MotoGP career as Tech3 now look set to stay with KTM in 2027.
The South African rider is out of contract in 2026 and is facing pressure to keep his seat. His results have dwindled in the past year, with teammate Pedro Acosta comprehensively beating him at KTM.
Will Brad Binder be on the MotoGP grid in 2027?
It was widely believed that Maverick Vinales would replace him in 2027, with Alex Marquez joining KTM to replace Acosta, who is signing with Ducati. However, following the Spaniard’s poor start to 2026, the Austrian manufacturer are considering their options.
Binder is 11th in the standings after four rounds in 2026, with him struggling to consistently break into the top 10. With KTM looking at multiple riders, he is likely to lose his factory seat, but Tech3 stands as his saving grace.
Brad Binder handed 2027 ‘lifeline’ as Tech3 now likely to stay with KTM
Things did look bleak for Binder, as Tech3 have been heavily linked with Honda in 2027. KTM’s financial crisis has led the French team to negotiate with their Japanese rivals, who want to have six bikes on the grid for the 850cc era.
The change of manufacturer would likely spell the end of Binder’s career. However, it is being reported by The Race that Tech3 could be set to stay with KTM in 2027, after Guenther Steiner negotiated directly with the team’s top brass.
Steiner has been ‘frustrated’ with KTM’s motorsport division since taking over Tech3, and is believed to have secured terms that are better than Honda’s for 2027.
Fabio Di Giannantonio is being linked with KTM, and the report states that he could make up the factory team line-up with Alex Marquez next year. Tech3 staying put in 2027 offers Binder a ‘lifeline’, should they choose to retain his services.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Brad Binder from career stats to wife
What Tech3 staying with KTM means for the MotoGP rider market
If Tech3 do stay with KTM in 2027, it will have huge implications for the MotoGP rider market and the future of many talents on the grid.
Tech3 joining Honda would allow Luca Marini to stay on board for 2027. But if they stay with KTM, that option is ruled out, and it likely means there is no room for the Italian, with Fabio Quartararo and David Alonso joining Honda, and LCR retaining their riders.
However, Pramac are keen on Marini and could offer his career a lifeline alongside Toprak Razgatlioglu with Yamaha’s setup.
With Tech3 staying on board with KTM, it also gives Vinales another opportunity to save his seat. If he can get over his injury problems, he will put himself in consideration for a seat.
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