Guenther Steiner, who left his role as Haas F1 team principal to become boss of the Tech3 KTM MotoGP squad, is tasked with shaping the team's rider line‑up for the 2027 season. Unlike his previous environment, Steiner says he plans to add a rookie to the roster, a move he believes can add genuine value in MotoGP.
Steiner points out that MotoGP lacks the extensive testing infrastructure that F1 teams enjoy. There are no sophisticated simulators, dedicated rookie free‑practice sessions, or regular test days with older machinery. Prospective MotoGP riders, most of whom compete in Moto2, are often tied up in contracts and face higher injury risk, limiting opportunities for on‑bike evaluation. Consequently, scouting relies more on reputation and limited short‑run outings rather than the data‑driven trials common in Formula 1.
To compensate, Steiner leans on a network of analysts who crunch financial and performance data, while still conducting personal interviews and gathering opinions from industry insiders. He acknowledges the political pressures and the need to filter bias, emphasizing that the final call rests on his judgment. Steiner admits the process is new for him, but hopes his mixed approach will produce a competitive line‑up for Tech3.
