Brad Binder could now be out of KTM as Pit Beirer confirms rider ‘priority’ after new Tech3 deal

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KTM could now leave Brad Binder without a ride for the 2027 season, as keeping Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales at Tech3 is Pit Beirer’s “priority” after their new deal.

Tech3 and KTM announced earlier on Saturday at the Catalan Grand Prix that they have now signed a new multi-year contract to continue their partnership into the 2027 regulations era. KTM faced the threat of having no satellite outfits in 2027, as Tech3’s deal was due to expire.

Losing Tech3 would have left KTM in a situation where the Austrian crew would have had to review their rider roster further, as well. It is an open secret that Pedro Acosta is set to leave KTM for Ducati in 2027, while Binder, Vinales and Bastianini are all out of contract this year.

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Pit Beirer confirms KTM’s ‘priority’ is to keep Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales at Tech3

It is also now understood that KTM have signed Fabio Di Giannantonio and Alex Marquez for their factory 2027 rider line-up. Their arrivals from VR46 and Gresini respectively could have cost each of Binder, Vinales and Bastianini their places in the KTM fold if Tech3 joined a rival.

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

But now that Tech3 will remain a satellite KTM team in 2027, motorsport director Beirer has confirmed that the “priority” is to retain Bastianini and Vinales – which may leave Binder on the market. However, Beirer says KTM have given Tech3 CEO Guenther Steiner more control.

Beirer told Sky Sports Italy: “Well, you’re asking me now whether it was important to lay this foundation, and Guenther had the chance to go to other teams.

“But the momentum was definitely on our side. I’m happy because we’ve handed the reins over to him, and now, with this foundation in place, we also want to talk to my riders.

“I want both riders to stay with us, so Enea and Maverick are our priority in this team. But I can only speak now that this decision has been made.”

KTM have options to extend Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales’ contracts for 2027

Binder’s future within the KTM fold now appears very uncertain after Beirer’s comments, as the Austrian squad have options to extend Vinales and Bastianini’s current factory contracts to ride for Tech3. What may save Binder is reports that Trackhouse are set to sign Bastianini.

Vinales confirmed on his return from injury at the Catalan Grand Prix this weekend that KTM hold an option with his current contract to extend his time with the brand into 2027. He also stated that he does not expect KTM to leave him in the lurch and cost him a seat elsewhere.

“My situation is that I still have one more year of contract,” Vinales said, via The Race. “KTM have the right to renew. It’s like this.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Maverick Vinales from career stats to net worth

“Obviously, our main target, and also from KTM’s side, is to see if I recover. Because if I don’t recover… I could be the best guy in the world, but this is business and this is racing. But if I recover, then it’s another story.”

Bastianini is in a similar situation to Vinales in that KTM have an option to extend his factory contract through 2027. But KTM’s delay in agreeing a fresh deal with Tech3 has appeared to deny Bastianini a potential move elsewhere, having been in line to move to Gresini for 2027.

It was thought in March that Gresini were expected to sign Bastianini to partner with Moto2 title-contender Daniel Holgado in their 2027 MotoGP line-up. But Gresini have now pivoted to Joan Mir owing to the delays from KTM holding an option to extend Bastianini’s contract.

Instead, with reports emerging that Ai Ogura will join the works Yamaha team in 2027, it has been said that Bastianini is set to replace him at Trackhouse. It now remains to be seen what impact Tech3 staying with KTM and Beirer’s plan have on the 28-year-old’s MotoGP future.