KTM Motorsports Director Pit Beirer has confirmed one half of the 2023 Tech3 KTM Factory Racing line-up will be confirmed ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix next week. Current Repsol Honda rider Pol Espargaro looks set to make a return to the Austrian factory just two years after leaving the orange brand, after confirming at Silverstone his 2023 machine would be "very familiar".
However, Beirer also revealed that the second seat in Herve Poncharal's garage is still up for grabs. Reigning Moto2™ World Champion Remy Gardner is the front runner to join Espargaro next year, but the recent heroics of Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) will certainly have caught the eye of KTM's decision makers. The Mallorcan has won three consecutive intermediate class races to take control of the World Championship and, as a result, is now rumoured to be in talks over a premier class promotion.
"It’s about two riders at Tech3 and one of them is pretty much decided," said Beirer, whilst speaking to motogp.com pitlane reporter Simon Crafar at Silverstone. "But the second spot is definitely open. We are looking and talking about our new generation of riders. So we have to wait a little bit more. But I think by Spielberg, we should finalize at least one part of the garage. But for the young riders, we want to wait a little bit more."
Two current KTM riders who are all but confirmed to be leaving the factory are Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez. The pair look set to team up at the new RNF Aprilia squad next year with an announcement also due imminently.