Guenther Steiner will take over as head of Tech3 in 2026, but he already knows this year that he will face a major challenge with KTM. The former Formula 1 team principal is making the leap to the world of MotoGP, succeeding Hervé Poncharal.
According to the official announcement, Tech3 will remain based in France, with its current pilots Maverick Vinales et Enea Bastianini at least for the 2026 season.
But not everything is straightforward. KTM is going through a deep financial crisis, linked to its owner Bajaj car and uncertainties surrounding his continued participation in MotoGP. Media outlets report that Steiner will have to activate a "plan B", particularly in the event that KTM would reduce or cease its commitment in the premier category.
Even though the agreement stipulates that Tech3 uses the RC16 KTM In 2026, the future beyond remains uncertain. Some suggest that Tech3 might have to change manufacturers or that KTM could withdraw.
KTM – or more precisely its in-house group – is forced to drastically reduce its costs in competition. This makes its MotoGP commitment more precarious, and therefore its foundation Tech3 dependent on the decisions of KTM.
Steiner must therefore choose: to make the best of the current situation with KTM, or anticipate a brand change for Tech3His discussions already suggest the idea of an alternative (Honda, Ducati, or other) if KTM can no longer, or no longer wants to, guarantee support.
Guenther Steiner inherits a solid past, but he will have to build a clear future.
Tech3 enters a major transition phase: new leadership, but also great technical and budgetary uncertainty.
For pilots Casa Particular in Viñales et bastianiniThe stability of 2026 is confirmed, but what will happen in 2027 will depend on the manufacturer.
Le MotoGP He himself is observing this matter closely, in a context where construction contracts and satellite teams will undergo modifications in the lead-up to the 2027 technical reform.
Guenther Steiner takes command of Tech3 with ambition. But his real test will not so much be a successful 2026 season as securing the team's future in a rapidly changing MotoGP landscape. He inherits a solid past, but he will have to build a clear future—and quickly.
