KTM AND TECH3 CONFIRM 2027 LINE-UP AS MANUEL GONZALEZ EYES WORLD SUPERBIKES

KTM and Tech3 have moved to lock in their 2027 MotoGP line-up, with Luca Marini confirmed to arrive from Honda and Senna Agius expected to step up from Moto2. The Marini agreement had been reported more than a month earlier, but the second seat took longer to settle as KTM/Tech3 weighed up their options between Agius and championship leader Manuel Gonzalez.

Gonzalez has been the more productive of the two in the standings so far, outscoring Agius by 59.5 points despite the fact that he has still been overlooked for the MotoGP opportunity. The reporting suggests that Gonzalez’s situation in Moto2 has stalled after five seasons in the class, and that he is already looking beyond the intermediate ladder. The Spaniard has reportedly started talks with Ducati, with the timing linked to Nicolo Bulega’s planned switch to VR46. If that Ducati route comes together, Gonzalez could position himself for a major step in World Superbikes rather than waiting for a MotoGP opening.

The same source frames Gonzalez as a rider who could make an immediate impact outside MotoGP. It notes that he is a nine-time Grand Prix winner and has already established himself as one of the strongest talents in the paddock beyond MotoGP. With the current Panigale V4R, the expectation is that he could deliver results in the style of recent WSBK stars.

If the Ducati option does not materialise, the report adds that other opportunities could still exist elsewhere. It also highlights that Gonzalez has been passed over by multiple MotoGP teams in recent years, most recently KTM/Tech3—an omission that could become a point of regret if he turns into a World Superbikes champion.

The article further suggests that if Gonzalez performs at a high level in WSBK, a future return to MotoGP could follow through performance rather than direct promotion. However, it also indicates that a move to MotoGP with KTM is unlikely given their recent decision.