TECH3 CONFIRMS LUCA MARINI FOR 2027-2028 AFTER HONDA EXIT

Tech3 has confirmed Luca Marini will leave Honda and race for Tech3 KTM in 2027 and 2028. Autosport had previously underlined that, unlike the team’s earlier rider deals in the past two seasons—when Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales rode under direct KTM contracts—Tech3’s new ownership structure means the team is now responsible for negotiating and signing its own riders from 2027.

Speedweek adds that Tech3 owner Günther Steiner has repeatedly stressed in recent weeks that the squad wants a line-up made up of one younger rider and one more experienced campaigner for 2027. On 26 August, the first name was revealed: Luca Marini will take on the role of the “routinier” (the experienced hand) at the traditional team.

Steiner pointed to Marini’s background and the fit with Tech3’s plans for the coming rule cycle. “Luca is a rider that we’ve had in our sights for a long time, and we’re very happy to welcome him to Tech3 from 2027,” Steiner said. “He brings not only a lot of experience, but also the right mentality and approach to what we’re building here. 2027 will mean a big new beginning for MotoGP, so it’s important to have a rider who can contribute to our progress in this new era.”

MotoGP’s 2027 regulations are set to bring major changes—including a reduction to 850cc, the removal of devices, and reduced aerodynamics—while the tyre switch will see Michelin replaced by Pirelli. Speedweek also notes that the tyre transition is another reason experience could matter immediately. “Luca knows how to work at this level of the sport, whether it’s in collaboration with the engineers, in developing the bike, or making progress under difficult conditions,” he added. “Together with KTM we’re opening up an exciting new chapter, and we’re convinced that Luca has the speed, experience and determination to help us reach our goals.”

Tech3 team manager Nicolas Goyon echoed that view, saying the team is looking forward to the start of the new project. “We’re very pleased that Luca will join us from 2027,” Goyon said. “He has already proven that he can keep up at the highest level, and his experience in MotoGP will be invaluable for us at the beginning of this new chapter. He has a deep understanding of what’s required from both the rider and on the technical side, and we’re confident he will make an important contribution to our progress with KTM. We’re looking forward to working with him and seeing what we can achieve together.”

Marini’s move to KTM Tech3 also ends his three-year period with HRC. Speedweek reports that he joined Honda’s factory team in 2024, and that in 2026 he has shown “impressive consistency,” sitting 10th in the championship standings as the best Honda rider. The Italian’s teammate for 2027 has not been announced yet, but Speedweek says it points strongly towards Australian Moto2 rider Senna Agius.

MotoGP News adds further context to how the deal came together. It reports that Tech3 initially had no interest in signing Marini until Honda’s situation forced the issue: Honda chose not to hand Marini a new contract, leaving him on the rider market for 2027. The same report notes that Honda also had no room for Marini or Joan Mir, and that Tech3 had not been considering him as recently as the end of May, citing Motorsport.com’s claim that he was not on the French squad and KTM’s radars at the time.

According to MotoGP News, the change in momentum began at the Italian Grand Prix in May, when Marini’s agent approached Steiner at Mugello to inform him of Marini’s availability for 2027. After that, Marini had to convince KTM chief Pit Beirer to allow the move to Tech3, with the Honda exile meeting Beirer at Assen in June. MotoGP News says Marini first met Beirer on the Friday of the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix weekend, and that Beirer liked what he heard enough to give Steiner and Tech3 the green light.

The report also highlights the practical side of the new structure: even though Tech3 has taken over the contracts and salaries of its riders, Steiner still needs KTM’s “approval” because KTM supplies Tech3 with bikes and provides technical support. It therefore describes the process as one where Tech3 worked with KTM to set targets, before Marini’s pitch moved the plan forward.

Marini’s 2027 season will also be his first with KTM. MotoGP News notes that he broke into MotoGP on a Ducati at VR46 in 2021 before later joining Honda’s works team, and it remains to be seen what he told Steiner and Beirer to secure the turnaround from “no interest” to a confirmed two-year deal. At a minimum, Tech3 will likely expect to rely on his feedback as it begins developing its 850cc bike under the new regulations.