Guenther Steiner and KTM now disagree over whether to sign Raul Fernandez for Tech3

Add as preferred source on Google

Raul Fernandez has emerged as a possible target for Tech3 amid growing doubts over his future at Trackhouse.

Fernandez won the Mugello Sprint on Saturday, his third podium finish of the year. He’s enjoying his best spell in the premier class, having won his first Grand Prix in Australia in late 2025.

Despite that, Trackhouse told Fernandez at Mugello that he will ‘most likely’ not be offered a new contract, according to Fanpage.

Guenther Steiner is keen on Raul Fernandez, but KTM aren’t

After renewing their deal with KTM, Tech3 want one experienced rider and one youngster. Fernandez will hit 100 premier class starts by the end of the season, so he may tick the first box.

Ricard Jove has learned that Steiner has been in contact with Fernandez about returning to Tech3, where he made his MotoGP debut in 2022.

However, this idea is ‘not to the liking’ of KTM bosses, who would prefer to renew Maverick Vinales’ contract. They fought hard to sign Fernandez four years ago, but the relationship lasted just one season, with the team calling the rider’s entourage a ‘disaster’, via Crash.

What is Raul Fernandez’s ceiling in MotoGP?

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

While Fernandez’s reputation has improved lately both on and off the track, his collision with factory Aprilia rider Jorge Martin in Barcelona has raised some questions about his teamwork.

The outcome of the Fernandez dispute will be a telling indicator of who has the ‘decision-making power’ at Tech3.

Manuel Gonzalez could land Raul Fernandez’s Tech3 seat

Motorsport ES report that Moto2 championship leader Manuel Gonzalez opened talks with Trackhouse about a 2027 seat during the Catalan GP weekend. They currently represent his ‘most likely’ route to the premier class.

‘Everything points’ to Gonzalez getting Fernandez’s seat and finally breaking into MotoGP if the constructive negotiations continue.

Fernandez is not one of the team’s ‘preferred options’ but could yet swap seats with Enea Bastianini, who is poised to join from Tech3.

Ai Ogura is heading to Yamaha, while Trackhouse boss Davide Brivio is also leaving to take on a role at Honda.