KTM Present Unified 2026 MotoGP Vision

KTM and its long-standing satellite partner Tech3 have jointly unveiled their 2026 MotoGP challengers, underlining the Austrian manufacturer’s continued commitment to a closely integrated four-bike operation. The online launch confirmed that, for a second consecutive season, both teams will compete with identical liveries, reinforcing the sense of a single, unified KTM presence on the grid.

As in 2025, Tech3 will effectively operate as an extension of the factory KTM squad rather than as a conventional satellite team. This structure gives KTM a fully aligned four-rider line-up aboard the RC16, allowing the marque to accelerate development and data sharing at a critical moment in MotoGP’s technical cycle.

Visually, all four machines retain KTM’s established orange and dark blue colour scheme, prominently featuring title sponsor Red Bull. The design remains an evolution of the livery first introduced when KTM entered MotoGP in 2017. While the factory team’s colours have remained largely consistent since then, Tech3’s visual identity has evolved considerably over the years. After joining KTM in 2019, the French squad ran alternative designs before promoting Pierer Mobility Group’s GasGas brand between 2023 and 2024. Last season marked a return to the Tech3 KTM name and a full alignment with the factory colours — a strategy now firmly entrenched for 2026.

Stability also extends to the rider line-ups. KTM Factory Racing will once again field Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder, while Tech3 continues with Enea Bastianini and Maverick Viñales. In a notable departure from traditional satellite arrangements, all four riders are directly contracted to KTM, further blurring the distinction between factory and customer teams.

The 2026 campaign carries additional significance as it represents KTM’s first full season under new ownership following Bajaj Auto’s takeover of the Austrian manufacturer. Although concerns had previously been raised about KTM’s financial health and the potential impact on its MotoGP programme, those fears appear to have subsided. KTM has already begun private testing of its 2027 prototype, signalling strong commitment to the next regulatory era.

Nevertheless, 2026 remains a pivotal year. Acosta, who delivered the majority of KTM’s points in 2025, continues to be heavily linked with a move to Ducati’s factory squad alongside Marc Márquez. Should the Spaniard depart — a scenario widely considered likely — KTM will face the challenge of identifying a new young leader to spearhead its future project.

On track, KTM’s 2025 season was one of contrasting phases. Early struggles with the RC16 gave way to improved competitiveness following a major upgrade introduced at the Austrian Grand Prix. Acosta emerged as a regular podium contender thereafter, helping KTM secure third place in the manufacturers’ championship behind Ducati and Aprilia. Binder endured what he described as his most difficult MotoGP season, but a stronger second half lifted him to 11th overall.

Tech3 finished ninth in the teams’ standings after a year of transition. Bastianini claimed a single podium in Barcelona, while Viñales showed flashes of promise before injury curtailed his momentum in the latter part of the season.

KTM MotoGP Line-up for 2026

With visual unity, contractual clarity and renewed corporate stability, KTM enters 2026 determined to consolidate its gains — even as the countdown to MotoGP’s transformative 2027 regulations continues.