Pit Beirer has confirmed that KTM is in talks with Moto2 stars as it prepares for the 850cc MotoGP era.
The Austrian manufacturer looks set to lose Pedro Acosta to Ducati for 2027, with Alex Marquez tipped as a possible replacement.
Even then, at least three RC16 seats could be up for grabs, assuming the Tech3 satellite squad renews its deal.
Tech3 rider Maverick Vinales has been linked with a move to the factory team, but his start to the season has been disrupted by ongoing complications from last year’s shoulder injury.
Team-mate Enea Bastianini and factory rider Brad Binder have also struggled to deliver frontrunning results so far.
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“It looks like we have Pedro on a solid base now, where he can really fight for great positions a lot, I would say,” Beirer said.
“But we are not where we want to be with Brad, Enea and Maverick. So there is still some work to do.
“But yes, we believe in Maverick, and we want him to come back and prove to us that he will be the right guy to be also in the team in the future.”
Meanwhile, in Moto2, rising stars Dani Holgado and David Alonso sit first and ninth in the standings with the KTM-linked CFMOTO Aspar team.
Asked if KTM is already in talks with the duo over a MotoGP move, Beirer replied:
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“We are definitely talking to them, and it’s clear that the future is up to the young guys.
“We have to see, and maybe 850 is a chance to give Moto2 riders an even easier entry into MotoGP.
“But I know we are not the only ones talking to them!”
Alonso has also been linked with a satellite Ducati seat next season.
MotoGP machines will not only feature smaller engines in 2027 – just 85cc larger than the Triumph-powered Moto2 bikes – but switch from Michelin to Pirelli tyres, as already used in the intermediate class.
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