Guenther Steiner explains controversial decision to snub Moto2 championship leader
Guenther Steiner had a big decision to make (Red Bull Content Pool)
17:30, 26 Sep
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Connor Andrews is Formula 1 and MotoGP writer for GPblog and various outlets. Having worked in motorsport for 15 years for leading companies, he has interviewed the sports biggest names and attended multiple Grands Prix.
Guenther Steiner’s first rider line-up as a MotoGP CEO continues to cause debate, and now he’s had his say.
The Tech3 boss was the last to confirm his team for the 2027 season and the new era of regulations.
The KTM satellite team earlier confirmed they would say goodbye to Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini, but kept their replacements quiet until much of the grid was confirmed.
First, they named Luca Marini, signing from Honda as more of a bellwether due to his vast experience and reliability.
Gonzalez (left) has seen the likes Moreira (right) step up ahead of him (Credit: Red Bull Content Pool)
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Tech3 then had a tough choice from Moto2, but ultimately opted for the man fifth in the standings rather than the one in first.
That pick of Senna Agius left Manu Gonzalez in the remarkable situation of being potentially homeless next season as a world champion.
Steiner explains why Tech3 chose Agius over Gonzalez
Explaining why he went for the younger Australian, Guenther Steiner said: “We simply see Senna's potential to become someone important in MotoGP, and I think we were quite lucky to sign him, because there were a lot of people interested in him.
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“For us, it's about the experience with Luca and then bringing Senna in from Moto2.
Agius took the final spot on the 2027 grid (Credit: Red Bull Content Pool)
“Next year is a good time to bring in a rookie, because the difference between the Moto2 and MotoGP bikes next year is smaller than it is now, and he already has experience with Pirelli tyres.
“It was a very difficult decision between the two. Both are very good. Obviously, Manu Gonzalez is currently leading the championship, ahead of Senna, but I think that, for us, in Senna's case, what mattered was his age. He's three years younger, and we have more time to develop him.”
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Gonzalez questions whether nationality hurt MotoGP chances
Gonzalez has indicated in interviews that his nationality may have come into play, with the vast number of Spaniards in MotoGP making an Australian easier to market.
He commented: “It's a topic that's been discussed for some time.
“What's clear is that it's not an advantage right now, but for my part, the only thing I can use is the results, and if others use the argument of country, there's little more I can say.”
Steiner also commented on the matter, with Agius replacing Jack Miller as the only Australian on the grid in a year when MotoGP heads to the Adelaide street circuit for the first time.
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Steiner welcomes Australian presence for Adelaide
The former Haas team principal commented: “Unfortunately, Jack Miller will no longer be in MotoGP, so Senna is the only one.
“I think it's better for him; it must be fantastic to return to Australia as a MotoGP rider, and obviously, with Adelaide being added as a new race, there will be a lot of buzz about it.”
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