Tech3 KTM confirms first signing of 2027 MotoGP season

The 2027 MotoGP grid has taken another step closer to being finalised, with Tech3 KTM announcing the signing of Luca Marini.

The Italian rider joins Tech3 at a time of transition for KTM, which is set to feature a completely new line-up across both teams in 2027.

Alex Marquez and Fabio di Giannantonio have already been confirmed at the factory Red Bull KTM team, while Marini is expected to form part of a new rider pairing at Tech3 that also includes a rider from Moto2.

Announcing Marini as one of its new riders comes one day after it was confirmed that Enea Bastianini would be leaving for Trackhouse Racing. 

Effectively, Marini will act as Bastianini’s replacement at Tech3, while the future of Maverick Vinales has yet to be sorted.

That being said, the team will move on from the former Suzuki, Yamaha and Aprilia rider, who could be left without a seat in MotoGP altogether.

Guenther Steiner, Tech3 CEO, said this when speaking about Marini: 

“Luca is a rider we have been watching closely, and we are very pleased to welcome him to Tech3 from 2027. He brings a huge amount of experience, but also the right mentality and approach for what we are building here. 2027 will be a big reset for MotoGP, so having a rider who can contribute to our progress in this new era will be important.

“Luca understands how to work at this level of the sport, whether it’s collaborating with the engineers, developing the bike or pushing forward in challenging circumstances. We are entering an exciting new chapter with KTM, and we believe Luca has the speed, experience and determination to help us achieve our goals.”

In terms of the second seat at Tech3, Senna Agius and Manual Gonzalez have been mentioned as candidates, although Agius is believed to be the frontrunner to replace Vinales.

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