Marco Bezzecchi
Guenther Steiner has multiple riders to consider for Tech3’s 2027 line-up, but MotoGP insiders have been confused by the team’s links to Raul Fernandez.
Tech3 are yet to confirm their riders for 2027. Enea Bastianini is set to join Trackhouse, while Maverick Vinales’ injuries and lack of pace have left the team questioning whether to keep him for next season.
However, KTM would prefer Vinales over Brad Binder at Tech3, while the likes of Senna Agius and Manu Gonzalez are also linked with the team. Recently, Fernandez entered the frame for a seat with the French outfit, but this has baffled the paddock.
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Raul Fernandez’s past with KTM leaves paddock insiders baffled by his links to Tech3 for 2027
The Spaniard’s future in MotoGP is looking uncertain. Reports have suggested that Trackhouse will sign Luca Marini alongside Bastianini, giving Aprilia an all-Italian rider line-up.
If Fernandez leaves Trackhouse, Tech3 could well be his only option to stay in MotoGP. However, his relationship with KTM will be a huge obstacle.
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The relationship between the two parties deteriorated after the 25-year-old was promoted to MotoGP in 2022, ending when he bought out his own contract to join SNF. KTM would be against signing Fernandez, and the paddock cannot see things improving.
Journalist Valentin Khorounzhy discussed the situation on The Race MotoGP Podcast: “I should say allegedly in the mix, because people I’ve talked to in the paddock are like, ‘I do not know how this bridge can be rebuilt, how KTM could possibly sign off on taking Raul Fernandez back in.’
“But I imagine it would take a strong level of feeling from Guenther and an argument that all of the alternatives that are provided to Tech3 are not satisfactory, ‘Please, please let us have Raul who’s been in good form.’
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“I can see coming to that conclusion potentially. He might actually genuinely be the best guy available, like the best true free agent available.
“It will depend on the push and pull. It will depend on whether forgiveness is possible within the KTM structure and whether Fernandez would still want to take himself under the KTM umbrella.”
Steiner would be interested in bringing in Fernandez, and the Tech3 boss could give him his last chance to stay in MotoGP. But that will depend on whether Trackhouse decide to part ways with him, and if KTM give up the decision-making at Tech3 to Steiner.
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