MotoGP is on the rise, and I couldn't be happier. After the massive international success of Formula 1, in part thanks to Netflix's 'Drive to Survive' documentary series, Liberty Media's follow-up purchase of F1 was that of MotoGP. The brands together? A match made in heaven, as the two racing series follows some of the wildest vehicular action known to man.
And its clear that many believe that the same sort of divine success can be applied to MotoGP, as more and more folks begin to pay attention and invest in the sport. The latest being a Formula 1 star himself, though I'm not talking about the long-rumored conspiracy that Lewis Hamilton was buying a team. No, in fact, a different Formula 1 personality did just that, former Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner, who, with a consortium of backers, just purchased the Tech3 KTM team.
While that's certainly the main story of the day, the one I'm far more interested in is whether or not Tech3 KTM will stay Tech3 KTM or, due to all the various issues revolving around KTM and its business, if Steiner will lead Tech3 to another manufacturer or even back to Yamaha, which it started as? I mean, KTM's insolvency managers already stated that the brand wouldn't continue in MotoGP, there's been rumors of Dorna selling its grid spots, and even its new owners—Bajaj—have declined to state on the record whether they're continuing or not.
Plus, is Steiner going to want that headache after all the headaches he suffered under Gene Haas?
"This is a fantastic opportunity," Steiner told reporters a press conference at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, adding, "Tech3 is a great team with a huge amount of potential and an impressive legacy. Herve’s impact on the team and MotoGP itself cannot be overstated, and we’re honoured to take over and keep building on those foundations. We’re excited to become part of the MotoGP paddock and maximise the potential of the team and the sport as it continues to grow, helping to bring it to new audiences."
Steiner, along with his investors, will take over the team in 2026 from current owner Herve Poncharal, which will also mark the debut of the new MotoGP motocycle regulations at the end of that year that aim to upend the current world order. Chief among them, the switch from 1,000ccs to 850ccs in 2027.
But that's where it gets interesting, as everything coming from KTM at present is that they're sticking around for the 2026 season. After that, however, is a mystery. When pressed for comment, AKV, the brand's insolvency managers, told RideApart in no uncertain terms that the company would be leaving the top tier racing series behind. And when asked for comment, Bajaj declined to give RideApart a firm answer as to its racing future.
Add that while team principal Pit Bierer of the main KTM MotoGP team has said to the contrary, he's proved to be incorrect in his future assessments multiple times. And his paddock, one with rising star Pedro Acosta, isn't happy with the team's direction, with rumors pointing that he's already on his way out. There's also the rumor that both KTM and Dorna, the current managers of the sport, are looking to offload KTM's grid spots.
There's more, too, as Steiner has already been through this sort of toxic relationship before at Haas. First their was Rich Energy and that whole saga. Then the issue revolving around Nikita Mazespin and his Russian oligarch father funding the bill. As well as all his driver headaches, and headaches that surrounded him due to team owner Gene Haas. Do you really think Steiner would want to deal with a mess like the one KTM is right now? I certainly don't.
As to which manufacturer they'd pick over KTM, well, that's anyone's guess. Honda is said to be already hard at work developing the next regulation's motorcycle. Ducati can't be discounted, though there's already too many on the field. Yamaha has an interesting proposition with its new V4 architecture. And you can't discount BMW and Suzuki's interest in the series.
What I do know is Steiner's ascension into the sport should make for some great off-track action. I can't wait for the first press conference.
