Fearing that the KTM MotoGP project would ‘completely collapse’, Tech3 started talking to Honda.

This year could be his last with KTM as his contract expires at the end of the season. Amid uncertainty over the future of the Austrian factory, Tech3’s new owner; Guenter SteinerIt has been discussed with Honda.

KTM has the option to extend Enya Bastianini’s contract but could lose Tech3 – should he join the factory KTM team in 2027?

The Japanese giants want to match Ducati and have six bikes on the grid by 2027. KTM’s financial woes opened the door for Tech3 to switch from RC16s to RC213Vs.

It is widely reported that they are the owners Bajaj Auto may sell Tech3 bikes. And only run on the two factory group machines. The Indian company had intended to pull the plug on the project entirely, but for now it wants to stay and see the impact of Liberty Media on MotoGP.

Tech3 have been in talks with Honda since 2024, fearing KTM will ‘completely fail’.

But KTM’s situation in the last few months has put Tech3’s future in doubt. The Austrian manufacturer It entered bankruptcy by the end of 2024, reporting huge debts.

Bajaj stepped in after various offers to stabilize the company and keep it running. But in the year In 2026, there is still uncertainty over the longevity of the MotoGP project, hence why Tech3 began exploring their options.

Report from Speed ​​week The French team It is an open secret that negotiations with Honda will begin in 2024. They wanted to ‘establish an alternative’ so that KTM would ‘completely fail’ and be left without a bike.

Ducati meets Tech3. Gresini is set to leave in 2027 amid rumors that Fermin Aldeguer’s move to VR46 failed. But Nadia Padovani’s team is set to stay put, with Honda’s Tech3 ‘only option’ if they leave KTM.

Finally, the decision rests with the team leader. Steiner wants to stay with KTMBut he wants ‘certain assurances’ about their way in MotoGP given their recent lack of results.

Read more: Everything you need to know about KTM Tech3, including MotoGP team riders

Pete Beyer wants Tech3 to stay with KTM in 2027

If Tech3 were to leave KTM, they would revert to a ‘pre-2019 setup’ for 2027 with just the factory team and two bikes.

This is not attractive to KTM or the sport. MotoGP SEG worried about Tech3 joining Honda as they feared it could trigger the exit of the Matighofen outfit.

Tell the order of the KTM riders in the 2026 MotoGP rankings

Speaking to Speedwick, KTM boss Pete Beyer confirmed that talks are ongoing with Steiner to secure the services of Tech3, and stated that the team would like to keep him on board.

“At the moment we are continuing talks with Gunter Steiner and we definitely want to keep the team at KTM.