Red Bull KTM Factory Racing has officially revealed its rider line-up for MotoGP’s highly anticipated 850cc era, confirming that Alex Marquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio will spearhead the Austrian manufacturer’s factory project from the 2027 season onward.
The announcement signals a major statement of intent from KTM as the brand prepares for MotoGP’s next technical revolution, assembling a pairing that combines proven race-winning pedigree with championship-contending form.
One of the biggest rider moves of the upcoming MotoGP cycle sees Alex Marquez leave Ducati machinery to join KTM on a multi-year agreement.
The Spaniard arrives as one of the premier class’ most accomplished riders in recent seasons, having finished runner-up in the 2025 MotoGP World Championship and established himself as a consistent race winner.
Marquez’s relationship with KTM stretches back more than a decade. The younger Marquez brother celebrated his first Grand Prix podium and victory aboard a KTM RC4 in Moto3 during 2013, before eventually capturing world titles in both Moto3 and Moto2.
Since stepping into MotoGP in 2020, the 29-year-old has steadily built an impressive résumé, claiming multiple victories, including wins at Jerez, Catalunya and Malaysia in 2025, while adding another triumph at Jerez in 2026.
KTM believes Marquez’s experience, racecraft and technical feedback will play a crucial role in shaping the development of the next-generation RC16.
KTM Motorsports Director Pit Beirer welcomed the signing enthusiastically.
“We are extremely proud and happy to have secured an exceptional talent like Alex Marquez — the 2025 World Championship runner-up — for our project.
“Alex brings not only outstanding skill and race intelligence but also determination and a winning mindset that perfectly matches our DNA.
“Together we share a clear objective: to take the KTM RC16 to the next level and fight at the very front of MotoGP.”
Joining Marquez in KTM’s all-new factory line-up is Fabio Di Giannantonio, who has emerged as one of MotoGP’s most improved riders over the past two seasons.
The Italian arrives in exceptional form, currently sitting inside the top three of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship standings.
Di Giannantonio secured his second MotoGP victory at Barcelona earlier this season, adding to his memorable maiden premier-class win in Qatar 2023.
Across the opening ten rounds of the 2026 campaign, the Roman rider has already collected: One Grand Prix victory, Three podium finishes, and Four Sprint Race podiums
His consistency has elevated him into the championship conversation and convinced KTM to invest in his long-term future.
Beirer believes the Italian has developed into one of the grid’s elite performers.
“Fabio has clearly made a step to become one of the consistent front-running guys in MotoGP.
“We cannot question his speed and commitment to delivering the best performance.
“He is a strong team player and a good guy, that we know will fit easily into our Red Bull KTM Factory Racing project.
“During our talks we were impressed by how passionate he is to give the maximum on track and off it, and we believe the next chapter together will be exciting and memorable.”
The double signing represents one of the most significant rider reshuffles ahead of MotoGP’s 2027 regulations overhaul.
By securing a proven championship contender in Marquez alongside one of the sport’s fastest rising stars in Di Giannantonio, KTM has assembled a rider pairing capable of leading the manufacturer into its next era.
As MotoGP prepares to transition to the new 850cc formula, KTM’s message is clear: the Austrian factory intends to be a genuine title contender from day one.
With two race winners, multiple podium finishers and riders entering the prime years of their careers, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s future suddenly looks brighter than ever.
Credit Photo : MotoGP
