AGIUS IMPRESSES ON FIRST MOTOGP TEST WITH KTM

Senna Agius made his first appearance on a MotoGP bike in a private test at Austria’s Red Bull Ring, held on the Monday after the Grand Prix. The Australian, who is set to join Tech3 KTM in 2027, rode a detuned version of KTM’s current 1000cc RC16 as an introduction to the premier class. The test took place during a Pirelli 2027 tyre test, but Agius did not ride the prototype 850cc machine being developed for that season. No changes were made to the bike; the focus was simply on helping him get familiar with MotoGP.

Agius recorded a fastest lap of 1:29.6, unofficially placing him 10th in the timesheets, ahead of Brad Binder, who was also riding a detuned RC16. He completed the outing without reported issues.

Speaking about the test a week later at the World Superbike round in Cremona, Agius’ mentor and manager Chaz Davies said the Australian had made a strong first impression both on and off the track. “The day went really well – it was a dream of a first day,” Davies said. Agius was meeting the wider MotoGP operation for the first time, with many more people involved than in his previous projects. Davies said “everyone” praised the rookie’s work, feedback and professionalism in the garage.

Davies was also encouraged by Agius’ pace. Despite having no previous experience on the bike, the Australian was able to hold his own in the middle of the field. The performance reinforced Davies’ earlier belief that Agius’ size and riding style could suit a more powerful machine better than his Moto2 bike. “It was only the first day, and we are talking about MotoGP, but it was a very promising start,” Davies said. “What I thought has been confirmed.”

Agius, 21, has become a Moto2 Grand Prix winner and secured his move to Tech3 for 2027. He is due to join an all-new line-up at the satellite KTM squad alongside Luca Marini, after KTM opted not to extend the contracts of current Tech3 riders Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales beyond 2026.

The mentor cautioned against drawing firm conclusions about Agius’ prospects from one test. He noted that much could change before the Valencia test, and that the pressure of a full season would bring another challenge. Agius will also need to adapt to a new team and working relationship: Tech3 is understood to have selected Francesco Munzone as his crew chief, moving up from Moto2, while Eneko Hernando is set to work with Marini. Still, Davies described the first taste of MotoGP as a very positive one.