Tech3 Rebranded to KTM, Vinales to Partner Enea Bastianini
Maverick Vinales will conclude his three-year tenure with Aprilia at the end of the season, which included a grand prix victory in Austin this year and seven podium finishes. Next year, he will transition to the team currently operated by Tech3 and Pierer Mobility Group, which will race under the KTM name.
At Tech3, Vinales will team up with five-time grand prix winner Enea Bastianini, who is leaving his position in the factory Ducati team to make way for Marc Marquez. KTM’s factory team will feature Brad Binder and Pedro Acosta, with KTM supplying four factory bikes across its two teams.
“We’re thrilled to welcome both Enea and Maverick into our MotoGP project, providing them with full factory support to pursue their goals and achieve peak performance,” said Pit Beirer, KTM motorsports director. “These two are among the fastest riders globally, and it’s an honor they trust in the top-tier operation we’ve developed with Red Bull KTM Tech3. Rebranding the team to KTM for 2025 underlines our commitment to the brand, and there’s no better way to enhance KTM’s value than having Enea and Maverick racing in full Red Bull orange.”
This move means Aprilia will lose both of its current factory riders, as Aleix Espargaro has announced his retirement from MotoGP at the end of the year. Espargaro is expected to join Honda as a test rider next year.
Vinales initially considered extending his contract with Aprilia, which had offered him a lifeline in 2021 following his departure from Yamaha. However, the Noale-based team waited for Espargaro’s decision before entering negotiations with Vinales. The MotoGP rider market saw significant changes after Aprilia signed Jorge Martin from Pramac following Ducati’s announcement that Marquez would join Francesco Bagnaia for the 2025-26 seasons.
The second factory Aprilia seat for next year remains undecided, but VR46 riders Marco Bezzecchi and Fabio Di Giannantonio are leading candidates.
Image Source: google.com
