Tech3’s satellite deal with KTM expires at the end of the 2026 MotoGP season, and team owner Guenther Steiner has revealed why he is reluctant to renew the French team’s contract sooner.
The Tech3 MotoGP outfit has been KTM’s partner since the 2019 premier class campaign, and has enjoyed a relatively strong partnership, although impressive results have been difficult to achieve.
Maverick Vinales pulls out of 2026 US GP – how will ongoing shoulder injury affect his MotoGP career?
However, the recent change in ownership has raised questions about whether new owner Guenther Steiner wants to put his own stamp on the team by entering into a satellite deal with another prototype manufacturer.
Ducati has been in talks with Steiner before.And the fact that Gresini is looking to break out of the Borgo Pangale stable could give Tech 3 the perfect opportunity to fill the vacancy.
The Italian himself said that could change now.
Guenther Steiner Tech3 wants to renew its deal with KTM, but needs ‘certain guarantees’ first.
During the interview with GPON In the US Grand Prix paddock, Tech3 owner Steiner was asked to give details of the bike the French satellite team will use in MotoGP’s new system era next year.
Although he admitted that staying with the Austrian developer would be a “good situation”, Steiner also indicated that he would need some reassurance from Mattighofen.
How do you think Guenther Steiner will fare in MotoGP as Tech3 boss?
He said, “There’s a lot of buzz here. In any case, we have to look around. It’s part of my job to understand what’s going on in the market. The ideal is always to stay with a partner, if you have one, but you have to look at what others are offering.”
“You can’t say that we will continue like this and that’s it, because the results for us now are not amazing, and we have to clearly understand which way to go. We still have a few months, but not too much time to decide.
That’s the real challenge: if I had another six months it would be so much better but I don’t. We need to know what to do. I repeat: the ideal situation for us is to stay with KTM, but I need certain guarantees to do so.
Gresini Racing is not sure which MotoGP factory they want to join in 2027
Gresini is currently in the same boat as Tech3 when it comes to the Italian team’s bike selection for next year. Since 2022, they have benefited from using Ducati’s best-in-class machinery, but recent reports suggest that change is coming.
Honda is considered a real alternative. The Fenza-based outfit currently understand that both Alex Marquez and Fermin Aldegar will move to new teams at the end of the current campaign.
Therefore Honda already has two names in mind If Gresini agrees to sign on the dotted line, whoever they want in the seats. However, Ducati are still trying to keep Gresini under their umbrella because of the advantages they offer in data collection and rider development.
Receive competition news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
