MotoGP may be on the cusp of a true strategic shift. While KTM's future remains uncertain beyond the 2025 season despite recent support from Bajaj, Honda HRC is making plans behind the scenes to compensate for the Austrian brand's possible defection. Rumor has it that the brand with the golden wing has already notified Dorna of its willingness to supply bikes to Tech3 starting in 2026, should KTM withdraw partially or completely.
The message is clear : Carmelo Ezpeleta will not tolerate a reduced grid, especially not in 2026, on the eve of a major technical change planned for 2027 with the 850cc engines. Although KTM has assured its commitment until 2025, doubts persist: the parent company Pierer Mobility experienced a 29% drop in turnover in 2024 and a net debt exceeding 1,6 billion euros, despite the injection of liquidity by Bajaj.
Dance what contexts, Tech3Led by Hervé Poncharal, becomes a key pawn in the future chessboard. Officially, the team remains linked to KTM, but if the situation were to worsen, Honda stands ready to intervene to take over the satellite structure – as Ducati did it with VR46, Gresini and Pramac, according to GP One.
With LCR already in his lap, HRC wants a third team to collect more data and boost its technical development, which is currently suffering. The acquisition of Tech3 would be a boon to this strategy.
Honda's strategic interest and Dorna's vision
« I am convinced that KTM will continue to be involved at the same level »Says EzpeletaBut in the paddock, doubt sets in, and plans B and C are already ready.
At the same time, BMW, although very active in Superbike, continues to keep silent about a possible arrival in MotoGP. Expected for the spring, their decision is delayed, despite a favorable context with the potential acquisition of Dorna by Liberty MediumAn arrival in 2027 is not excluded, but remains hypothetical.
For now, Honda seems best placed to fill any gap left by KTM. One thing is certain: Dorna has no intention of reducing the grid. MotoGP is entering a pivotal phase, where off-track strategy could soon matter as much as lap times.
