Red Bull KTM Tech3 eyes strong 2025 season with Vinales and Bastianini

Tech3 secures a high-profile lineup as it prepares for the MotoGP season opener in Thailand.

Maverick Viñales of Spain and Red Bull KTM Tech3 takes notes in the garage during the Thailand MotoGP Test at Chang International Circuit on February 13, 2025, in Buriram, Thailand. Photo by Mirco Lazzari/Getty Images

By Randy Ahmad and Yuni Utomo

With the start of the 2025 MotoGP season just days away, Red Bull KTM Tech3 is making final preparations ahead of the season opener in Thailand. The team has undergone significant changes, signing an exciting new rider lineup featuring Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini. Both riders bring premier-class experience and a strong track record, fueling high expectations for the upcoming campaign.

A surprising deal: How Vinales and Bastianini joined Tech3

The Tech3 team, led by Frenchman Hervé Poncharal, is one of the few squads to introduce a completely new rider pairing for 2025. The signing of both Bastianini and Vinales was seen as a major coup, strengthening KTM’s satellite outfit with two proven race winners at the peak of their careers.

While Bastianini aims to prove that his seven MotoGP victories were not solely due to the advantage of Ducati machinery, Vinales is pursuing an even greater milestone. If he can secure a race win on the KTM RC16, he will become the first rider in MotoGP history to win with four different manufacturers.

Tech3 team manager Nicolas Goyon recently reflected on the negotiations that led to Vinales' signing. Speaking to Speedweek, Goyon admitted that while he was well-informed about discussions with Bastianini, the contract with Vinales took him by surprise. “Honestly, it was a big surprise, not to say a shock,” he said. “It was an extremely positive one, of course. Maverick had a strong position in Italy, with the opportunity to take on a leadership role at Aprilia for 2025. At first, I couldn’t believe we had secured him.”

At their first meeting after signing, Goyon was struck by Vinales’ enthusiasm. “The first thing Maverick told me, with all his Spanish passion, was that he had always been a fan of KTM. Even before his Grand Prix career, he was a loyal KTM customer for his off-road bikes,” Goyon recalled.

Challenges in winter testing

Despite the initial excitement, Vinales faced some difficulties during pre-season testing. The first major MotoGP winter tests showed that his transition to the KTM RC16 was not going to be seamless. Alongside Bastianini, Vinales initially struggled to adapt, often running at the back of the timesheets during early sessions.

However, progress was evident by the final testing phase in Buriram, where Vinales managed to match his best time from the previous autumn. His improvements placed him ninth overall, finishing ahead of KTM’s established rider, Brad Binder. This positive step provided a much-needed boost ahead of the season opener.

Team manager Goyon remains cautiously optimistic. “There’s no doubt that our riders have the ambition and potential to win races,” he said. “But at this stage, the primary goal is to learn and establish the right conditions for success. The entire KTM project is our top priority.”

KTM’s ambitious goals for 2025

Red Bull KTM Tech3 is determined to elevate its status within the MotoGP paddock. The factory KTM team has consistently challenged for podiums, and expectations are high for Tech3 to follow suit. With a competitive rider lineup and continued factory support, the team is positioned to fight for strong results throughout the season.

Bastianini’s ability to extract performance from different motorcycles will be crucial. Having spent the majority of his premier-class career with Ducati, he now faces the challenge of adapting to KTM’s characteristics. His aggressive riding style and late-braking capabilities could prove to be assets on the RC16.

Meanwhile, Vinales’ pursuit of history adds another layer of motivation. The Spaniard has already won with Suzuki, Yamaha, and Aprilia. A victory with KTM would make him the first MotoGP rider to claim wins on four different manufacturers, an achievement that would cement his legacy in the sport.

Looking ahead to the Thailand Grand Prix

With pre-season testing concluded, all eyes are now on the season opener in Thailand. The Buriram International Circuit will provide the first true test of KTM Tech3’s capabilities. Both Vinales and Bastianini will aim for strong performances as they adapt to their new machinery under race conditions.

The 2025 season promises to be one of the most competitive in recent years, with Ducati’s dominance under threat and manufacturers like KTM pushing forward. As Red Bull KTM Tech3 embarks on this journey, the team remains focused on long-term growth, consistent improvements, and the possibility of adding to its tally of premier-class victories.