KTM and Tech3 unveil 2026 MotoGP bikes in joint launch

KTM and its satellite squad Tech3 unveiled their 2026 MotoGP machinery in a joint online launch on Tuesday, confirming they will once again run identical liveries for the upcoming season.

As was the case in 2025, Tech3 will effectively serve as an extension of the factory KTM squad, giving KTM a unified four-bike line-up on the grid.

All four KTM RC16s will be painted in the brand’s signature orange and dark blue colour scheme, carrying significant branding from title sponsor Red Bull.

While KTM’s livery has largely remained unchanged since it debuted in MotoGP in 2017, Tech3 has run different designs over the years after partnering with the Austrian marque in 2019.

Pedro Acosta, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, Brad Binder, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, Enea Bastianini, Red Bull KTM Tech 3, Maverick Vinales, Red Bull KTM Tech 3

Photo by: KTM Images

It promoted Pierer Mobility Group’s GasGas brand from 2023-24, before reverting to the Tech3 KTM identity last year and adopting colours in line with the factory squad.

The two squads will continue with the same rider line-ups as 2025: Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder will once again partner at the team officially known as KTM Factory Racing, while Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales will team up at Tech3. All four riders are directly contracted to KTM.

The 2026 season marks KTM’s first full year under new ownership following Bajaj Auto’s takeover of the Austrian marque. Despite earlier uncertainty surrounding KTM’s financial situation and its impact on the MotoGP project, the factory has already begun testing its 2027 bike in private, underlining its commitment to the next rules cycle.

Like all other manufacturers, KTM is expected to switch focus to the development of its 2027 prototype early, but the upcoming season remains critical for the team.

Bikes of Pedro Acosta, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, Brad Binder, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, Enea Bastianini, Red Bull KTM Tech 3, Maverick Vinales, Red Bull KTM Tech 3

Photo by: KTM Images

KTM’s star rider Acosta, who scored the bulk of its points last year, has been heavily linked to a move to the factory Ducati squad alongside Marc Marquez. Should Acosta move elsewhere, which seems almost certain at this stage, KTM would have to look for another young rider to replace the Spaniard.

On track, KTM experienced mixed fortunes in 2025. The RC16 struggled in the early part of the season, but a major upgrade introduced at the Austrian Grand Prix improved competitiveness and helped Acosta become a regular podium contender.

KTM ultimately finished third in the manufacturers’ championship behind Ducati and Aprilia, while Acosta finished a strong fourth in the riders’ standings. Binder endured what he described as his worst season in the premier class, although his form did improve towards the end of the campaign, lifting him to 11th overall.

Tech3 ended ninth in the teams’ championship, ahead of only LCR and Pramac, as it integrated an all-new line-up following the departures of Acosta and Augusto Fernandez. Bastianini recorded a sole grand prix podium in Barcelona, and while Vinales showed early promise, an injury affected the latter part of his campaign.