Red Bull and KTM Extend Their MotoGP Partnership Into the Series’ New Era

Red Bull KTM’s prototype MotoGP machines will keep the famous orange and Red Bull livery from 2027 onward, following a contract renewal between the two Austrian brands. The timing lines up with everything else SBI has covered this summer: MotoGP’s technical regulation overhaul lands in 2027, the same season Red Bull KTM debuts its new rider lineup of Alex Márquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio. The identity of the team they’re joining just got locked in for the long haul.

A Quarter-Century Partnership, Extended Into MotoGP’s New Era

Red Bull and KTM’s relationship spans a quarter century across multiple disciplines — motocross, supercross, enduro, Dakar and rally, and MotoGP since 2017. It’s a genuinely unusual depth of partnership in motorsport, one that Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director, described as “much more than just the colors of the bikes.” The MotoGP numbers specifically: 7 victories and 38 podiums with the KTM RC16 over the last decade, 26 of those podiums coming in the Sprint format specifically — a meaningful share of recent form. Red Bull KTM livered machinery has also taken championships in both Moto3 and Moto2, with wins and podiums across all three Grand Prix categories.

Beirer was direct about what the partnership actually provides: “Red Bull and KTM just go together,” he said. “Red Bull support us in many ways, both at the track and behind-the-scenes.” He also leaned into the two brands’ shared national identity, calling the partnership a way of “bringing this Austrian ‘show’ to our racing and to MotoGP especially.”

The Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup and KTM’s Talent Pipeline

Beyond factory colors, the Red Bull KTM partnership jointly runs the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup and the KTM GP Academy — development structures built to bring riders up through every level of Grand Prix racing. It’s a different model from Ducati’s own approach, where the Lenovo V2 Future Champ Academy handles talent development through a title-sponsored, single-brand trophy structure. Both manufacturers are investing seriously in the pipeline heading into 2027, just through different institutional shapes — worth watching which approach produces the next genuine MotoGP-ready talent first.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing now enters MotoGP’s new technical era with its rider lineup, its development pipeline, and its factory identity all confirmed at once. Beirer’s closing line captures the moment well: “We still have plenty to achieve together.” The orange bikes aren’t going anywhere — they’re just getting ready for a different kind of MotoGP.

About The Author

Allan Lane

Philadelphia born and bred, Allan Lane is the Publisher and Editor in Chief of digital magazines. He launched his first publication, SportBikes Inc Magazine in 2010, followed by dosage MAGAZINE in 2019. Recently, Allan launched his third online publication, Club For Man. As a journalist, Allan covers fashion, lifestyle, culture, art, and motorcycles.

See author's posts