Red Bull KTM has officially launched its 2026 MotoGP campaign, revealing the updated livery and confirming its four-rider line-up ahead of pre-season testing at Sepang next week.
The Austrian manufacturer enters its tenth season of premier class Grand Prix racing with Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder leading the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing charge, while Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales will campaign the Red Bull KTM Tech3 squad.
All four riders will contest the 2026 season aboard the latest evolution of the KTM RC16, marking the final iteration of the current-generation machine before new technical regulations arrive in 2027.
The 2026 campaign represents a significant opportunity for Red Bull KTM, with the manufacturer targeting its strongest season yet following steady development through 2025. The four-rider line-up brings 24 combined seasons of MotoGP experience, with Acosta fresh from securing fourth in the 2025 championship standings – equalling KTM’s best-ever premier class result.
Red Bull KTM collected 14 podium finishes across Grands Prix and Sprint races in 2025, with the quartet logging 17 top-five results between them. Acosta’s rookie season netted multiple podiums, while Binder maintained KTM’s trademark speed with the RC16 continuing to hold the MotoGP top speed record at 366.1km/h, set by Binder in 2023 and matched by Pol Espargaro in 2024.
“In the second half of 2025 we were starting to make good races, good results, even when we were not having our best days,” Acosta said. “We were able to manage to be in this top five constantly. All-in-all it was really good to be able to fight for 3rd place in the Championship. We go for more this year and to start in the right way from Sepang next week.”
Binder, who struggled to match his 2023 form last season, arrives with renewed focus after an intensive off-season preparation. “Last year I felt like I was thinking the whole time on the motorbike, instead of letting just my natural ability take over and that’s one thing that I want to change for this season,” the South African said. “Just really enjoy riding the bike a bit more. I’m quite confident that I can make a good step up.”
Bastianini joins Red Bull KTM Tech3 after a learning year in 2025, having switched from Ducati machinery mid-career. The Italian believes his increased familiarity with the RC16 will unlock stronger performances in 2026. “2026 will be different because I will know more about the bike, about the team. I think I will be much stronger,” Bastianini said. “I saw much potential, especially during the test in Valencia last year. I think we are ready to race, ready to fight.”
Vinales, who showed flashes of pace before a Sachsenring crash derailed his 2025 campaign, arrives with championship ambitions after recovering from shoulder surgery. “I feel that I have a big responsibility to make this project a winning project,” the Spaniard said. “I always feel that when I have this type of pressure – when I have this type of responsibility – I am at my best. So, I’m ready to ‘eat’! I have a lot of energy for this year.”
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager Aki Ajo highlighted the internal improvements made throughout 2025 as the foundation for the team’s 2026 ambitions. “We know the potential of the bike, the riders, the teams and the group. This means we can be excited about the potential for 2026 but we will keep patience in the work and focus,” Ajo said.
Red Bull KTM Tech3 Team Manager Nicolas Goyon praised the increased factory support heading into the new season. “2025 was the season where we’ve received more than ever. Both teams were evolving at the same level. Now, we’re really looking forward to work with our new management, I really feel we’re prepared for this new season, this new era,” Goyon said.
Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director, emphasised the manufacturer’s commitment to delivering competitive machinery for all four riders while balancing development for the 2027 regulations. “Last year, I feel we couldn’t really make the package ready for everybody to show their best potential. So that was the highest target we had over the last weeks: to make sure everyone gets what he needs to perform,” Beirer said. “We want to make this year our year, and use all the chances we have. It’s time to go for it in ’26.”
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Red Bull KTM’s four-rider assault begins next week following the conclusion of the Shakedown Test (January 29-31). The official pre-season schedule includes the Sepang Test from February 3-5 in Malaysia, followed by the 2026 MotoGP season launch in Kuala Lumpur on February 7. A final two-day test will take place at Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand on February 21-22, before the PT Thai Grand Prix opens the season at the same venue from February 28-March 2.
MotoGP will conduct four in-season test days throughout 2026. The first two are official tests using Michelin tyres, scheduled for the Mondays following the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez and the Catalan Grand Prix in Barcelona. Two non-official tests with the 2027 tyre supplier are planned for the Mondays following the Czech and Austrian Grands Prix.
The 2026 season comprises 22 Grands Prix across 18 countries, with six rounds counting as home events for the Red Bull KTM quartet. MotoGP attendance reached a record 3.6 million fans at circuits in 2025, representing a 21 per cent increase over 2024.
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