Image: Supplied.

KTM Factory Racing has announced its newfound partnership with Tech3 that will commence in 2019, officially confirming the agreement that will see four factory RC16s on the MotoGP grid.

Tech3 will compete as KTM’s satellite team in the premier class with current equipment, set to establish itself as a junior team alongside the in-house Red Bull KTM operation.

“We are very happy to join forces with Tech3 in MotoGP from 2019,” commented KTM Motorsport director Pit Beirer. “The team has many years of experience and achieved a lot of great results in this championship. Their professional structure will make us even stronger.

“Having four KTM RC16 on the grid is also another big step for us, both for the development of our MotoGP bike and expanding KTM’s structure in the paddock. From the Red Bull Rookies Cup up to MotoGP, there is a clear path to the top. We are looking forward to start a great cooperation and I’m thankful towards Herve Poncharal for the future trust in KTM.”

News broke towards the end of February that Tech3 would be parting ways with Yamaha at the end of this season, with team owner Poncharal indirectly revealing following the Qatar test that KTM would be the brand that his team would align with for the next three seasons.