KTM motorsport director Pit Beirer has welcomed Luca Marini’s move to Tech3 for the 2027 MotoGP season, highlighting the Italian’s experience and potential contribution to the development of the RC16.
Marini will leave Honda at the end of 2026 after three seasons with the factory operation and will join Tech3 as MotoGP enters a major technical reset, with 850cc bikes, new aerodynamics rules and Pirelli tyres arriving next season. The deal was officially announced in August.
Beirer praises Marini’s early interest
Marini’s experience was one of the factors that convinced KTM to approve the move, but Beirer also highlighted the rider’s desire to join the project.
“Luca showed very early his interest, and I think it’s important that somebody really wants to come here. And then, talking to the people around him, it’s clear that he’s a really great guy to also help make the bike better,” Beirer told MotoGP.
Marini has spent the past three seasons working with Honda and has been heavily involved in the Japanese manufacturer’s development programme. Before joining HRC in 2024, the Italian raced Ducati machinery with VR46.
That technical background could become particularly valuable in 2027, when MotoGP introduces a completely new generation of motorcycles. Tech3 itself has also highlighted Marini’s ability to work with engineers and contribute to bike development as an important reason for the signing.
KTM wanted experience alongside youth
Beirer said he remained in close contact with Günther Steiner, who is leading Tech3 under its new ownership structure, throughout the process of building the 2027 line-up.
“I had close contact with Guenther all the time, about what’s best for the Tech3 team. And we committed very early: We want a young rider, and we want an experienced rider,” Beirer explained.
“We didn’t want to have two young riders [at Tech3] because it’s not a rookies team. It’s a full-size, strong MotoGP team.”
Marini therefore fills the experienced side of the equation, while Tech3 is still working to determine his teammate for 2027. The second seat remains open as KTM and the team assess their options.
Beirer also said the riders joining KTM’s factory operation next year welcomed the decision to bring Marini into the wider project.
“Then, listening to our other new riders for next year, they were super pleased because they know what Luca is capable of and how he can help develop the bike,” he said.
For 2027, Álex Márquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio are set to form KTM’s factory MotoGP pairing, replacing the current structure. Enea Bastianini, meanwhile, will move to Trackhouse, while Maverick Viñales is leaving the KTM structure.
KTM sees 2027 as a fresh start
Beirer believes the combination of a new technical rulebook and a largely revamped rider line-up gives KTM an opportunity to reset its MotoGP project.
“We have to use this moment to give a kind of restart to the project with new riders, with many people coming who believe in the project,” he said.
“I think this is really good energy filling up for the future.”
The arrival of Marini also gives KTM a rider with extensive experience at both Ducati and Honda as it prepares to develop its new-generation motorcycle. Tech3 has described the Italian’s adaptability and technical understanding as important assets for the 2027 project.
MotoGP returns from September 11-13 with the San Marino and Rimini Riviera Grand Prix at Misano, the 14th round of the 2026 season. GRANDE PRÊMIO will cover all the action from the weekend, as well as the latest developments in the 2027 rider market.
FAQ
Who will Luca Marini race for in MotoGP in 2027?
Luca Marini will race for Tech3 KTM in 2027 after leaving Honda at the end of the 2026 season. He is the first confirmed rider for Tech3’s new 2027 line-up.
Who will be KTM’s factory MotoGP riders in 2027?
Álex Márquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio will form KTM’s factory team line-up in 2027. The manufacturer is rebuilding its rider structure for the new technical era.
What changes are coming to MotoGP in 2027?
MotoGP will introduce 850cc engines, major aerodynamic restrictions, new technical regulations and Pirelli tyres in 2027, creating a major reset for manufacturers and teams.
