Will Tech3 remain a KTM partner in 2027, or will the MotoGP team switch to Honda? – Team manager Nicolas Goyon discusses the current situation at Le Mans
Honda is working on an ambitious plan to field not just four, but six motorcycles starting with the 2027 MotoGP season. Discussions are underway behind the scenes. In recent weeks, the Tech3 team has increasingly come into focus.
The French racing team has had a new owner since this year in the form of Günther Steiner and a consortium of investors. The contract with KTM expires at the end of the 2026 season.
Team manager Nicolas Goyon also confirmed to Motorsport.com France that a switch to Honda is an option for Tech3.
“Behind the scenes, every manufacturer has been in negotiations with its satellite team,” said Goyon. “I don’t think anything has been officially announced yet for teams like VR46, for example.”
“But on their side, everything is already settled: they will continue with Ducati. If you look closely, I believe every team has clarified the situation. The only team still in talks is us.“
”It’s true, Günther is also talking to Honda. I think Honda wants to bring in a third team. Günther is new to this; he’s having discussions, he sees the market as it is, and he’s exploring the various options.“
”The only option we [besides KTM] apparently have is Honda. He’s simply conducting a market analysis. We have a good agreement with KTM, but he’s also looking around.“
The Austrian brand also knows that it could potentially lose Tech3 as a partner. ”Günther doesn’t want to make any hasty decisions,“ says Goyon. ”He’s analyzing the market, reviewing the options. And then he’ll make his choice.”
Why a decision must be made soon
The fact that the five MotoGP manufacturers and the MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group have not yet reached an agreement on a new contract for 2027–2031 is not expected to play a role in Tech3’s deliberations.
“Nothing has been decided yet; talks are ongoing,” emphasizes the team manager. “The issues between Dorna and the manufacturers are a separate matter.”
“That doesn’t stop us from conducting our own negotiations and waiting to see what comes of it.” Goyon hopes for a quick decision: “I had hoped that an announcement would be made here [in Le Mans].”
“But there won’t be an announcement here. I think a strong trend is already emerging. Now the details need to be finalized. I think that’s where we are right now. I hope it will be announced soon.”
Goyon’s hope for a quick solution is also due to the fact that the rider market is in flux and Tech3’s options are dwindling. After all, the riders also want to know which motorcycle the team will be racing next year.
“My job is, at the very least, to tell Günther that we need to make the manufacturer official, that we need to know which manufacturer it is so we can talk to riders.”
“Because we have riders who are approaching us and want to talk to us, but we don’t really have a project to offer them at the moment,” says Goyon, describing the dilemma of uncertainty. “That’s why it’s extremely important to make progress here.”
