Overview
- KTM has officially signed Alex Márquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio for its 2027 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team, filling both factory seats that open after Pedro Acosta's departure.
- KTM ran a modified 850cc test bike late in 2025 and used early 2026 shakedowns to accelerate development, a campaign team leaders cite as key to recruiting proven frontrunners.
- Maverick Viñales was effectively passed over for promotion after continued shoulder problems and weak results left him short of the form KTM wanted for a factory seat.
- Marc Márquez has mounted a major points recovery this season and is back in title contention, but he remains limited by a right-arm and shoulder problem and will shorten his summer break to focus on treatment.
- Factory seats give riders priority access to the latest machinery and development resources, so KTM's picks reshape the rider market and could influence team fortunes as MotoGP moves into the new 850cc era.