Marco Bezzecchi
Brad Binder is hoping to keep his MotoGP career alive in 2027, but he is facing strong competition to retain his KTM seat. Honda’s Joan Mir is now emerging as a target.
KTM have already lost Pedro Acosta to Ducati next year, but the team have acted quickly to sign Alex Marquez as his replacement. No official confirmation has been made due to negotiations over the next Concorde Agreement, but the deal is widely believed to be done.
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Marquez’s teammate is yet to be decided, however, with Binder under huge pressure to keep his seat. He has been outclassed by Acosta since the Spaniard joined KTM in 2025.
Qualifying has been Binder’s ‘Achilles heel’, and his inconsistency may cost him a seat on the grid next year. Several riders are gunning for the vacant spot at KTM, and Mir has now entered the frame.
Joan Mir now emerging as a target for KTM in 2027
It was originally believed that Maverick Vinales would be promoted from Tech3 to the factory team in 2027, but KTM have ‘suspended’ Vinales’ contract over his poor start to 2026 and his injury woes.
Binder could keep his factory seat, but his results have to improve. Competition is rife for the spot, however, with Fabio Di Giannantonio being linked with KTM.
According to a report from AS, Mir is also an option for the Austrian outfit. The Spaniard looks to be leaving Honda at the end of the year, with Fabio Quartararo and David Alonso both joining the team.
Di Giannantonio is being eyed by several teams in the paddock, with VR46 keen to retain him. Should he turn down KTM, Mir could slot in and keep himself on the grid, but Binder will be looking to retain his seat at all costs.
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Joan Mir is also wanted by Trackhouse in 2027
Mir has been struggling at Honda, with numerous crashes hampering him and the team. With Tech3 likely to stay with KTM and LCR having no seats, the 2020 MotoGP champion faces the prospect of leaving the Japanese manufacturer.
KTM could offer him a ride, but they are not the only ones interested. Trackhouse are keen on signing Mir in 2027, with Ai Ogura set to join Yamaha.
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The future of Raul Fernandez is unclear as well, with the American outfit yet to decide on any of their riders for 2027.
A move to Aprilia could be a great fit for Mir, especially with the bike’s current form and prospects in 2027, and the experience that he can offer them.
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