KTM & Tech3 Reveal Identical 2026 MotoGP Liveries

Factory squad and satellite team continue as one orange force, with Acosta, Binder, Bastianini and Viñales leading KTM’s push into a crucial MotoGP season.

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KTM and its satellite outfit Tech3 have officially unveiled their 2026 MotoGP machines in a joint online launch, confirming both teams will once again run identical liveries this season. The move reinforces Tech3’s role as a direct extension of the factory effort, giving KTM a unified four-bike RC16 line-up on the grid.

All four KTM RC16s will carry the marque’s signature orange and dark blue colour scheme, heavily backed by title sponsor Red Bull. While KTM’s core design philosophy has remained largely consistent since entering MotoGP in 2017, Tech3 has alternated liveries over the years. After promoting the GasGas brand between 2023 and 2024, Tech3 reverted to the KTM identity last season and now mirrors the factory team’s colours completely.

Same Riders, Bigger Mission

Both squads continue with their 2025 rider line-ups. At Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder remain teammates, while Tech3 KTM fields Enea Bastianini and Maverick Viñales. All four riders are directly contracted to KTM, underlining the close integration between the two teams.

The 2026 campaign is KTM’s first full MotoGP season under new ownership following Bajaj Auto’s takeover of the Austrian brand. Despite previous financial uncertainty, KTM has already begun private testing of its 2027 prototype, signalling firm commitment to MotoGP’s next technical era.

Still, 2026 remains a key year competitively, especially with development focus expected to gradually shift toward the 2027 regulations.

Acosta Rumours Add Spice

Pedro Acosta, KTM’s standout performer last season, continues to be heavily linked with a future move to Ducati. Should the Spaniard depart, KTM would face the challenge of finding another young star to lead its next chapter. For now, Acosta is fully focused on building on last year’s momentum.

“In the second half of 2025 we started making strong results even on difficult weekends,” said Acosta. “We could fight for third in the Championship, and we want more this year.”

2025 Recap: Progress After Early Struggles

KTM endured a mixed 2025 season. The RC16 struggled early on, but a major upgrade introduced at the Austrian Grand Prix improved competitiveness. Acosta became a consistent podium threat, helping KTM secure third place in the manufacturers’ standings behind Ducati and Aprilia.

Binder described 2025 as his toughest MotoGP year but showed improved form late in the season. Tech3, meanwhile, finished ninth in the teams’ standings as it integrated its new line-up. Bastianini claimed a podium in Barcelona, while Viñales’ campaign was disrupted by injury.

Riders Ready for Reset

Bastianini believes familiarity will help in 2026: “I’ve learned a lot from last year. Now I know the bike and team better, and I’m motivated to fight again for something important.”

Viñales also added that recovery from injury has put him in a stronger place mentally and physically: “I feel a big responsibility to make this project a winning one. That pressure brings out my best.”

Binder is aiming for a more natural approach on the bike: “Last year I was overthinking. This season I want to ride more freely and enjoy it.”

Eyes on the Future

Team Manager Aki Ajo highlighted steady internal progress: “We focused on small daily steps, improving communication and simplifying processes. The potential is there, we just need patience and consistency.”

With four competitive riders, a unified structure, and eyes already on the future rules cycle, KTM heads into 2026 determined to stay in the title conversation and keep the RC16 at the sharp end of MotoGP’s ever-tight field.