The MotoGP rider market is heating up, and KTM is at the center of the storm. Team boss Pit Beirer has reportedly added 2020 World Champion Joan Mir to his shortlist for the 2027 season, putting current rider Brad Binder on notice.
Binder, who has been the backbone of KTM's factory team since his debut in 2020, signed a long-term extension through 2026. But the South African has struggled to match the pace of teammate Pedro Acosta this season, with inconsistent qualifying performances raising questions about his future. While Binder played a key role in KTM's rise to competitiveness, the team is clearly looking to raise the bar.
KTM has already moved to secure Alex Marquez as Acosta's teammate, though the deal isn't official yet due to ongoing Concorde Agreement negotiations. That leaves the second factory seat up for grabs—and the competition is fierce.
Enter Joan Mir. The former Suzuki champion has endured a tough spell at Honda, with a string of crashes hampering both his results and the team's progress. With Fabio Quartararo and rookie David Alonso expected to join Honda's lineup, Mir is reportedly eyeing an exit. KTM sees an opportunity to bring in a proven winner, and Mir is said to be on their radar alongside Fabio Di Giannantonio, who is also linked to the Austrian manufacturer.
KTM had initially planned to promote Maverick Vinales from Tech3 into the factory squad for 2027, but his contract is currently "suspended" after a difficult start to the season marked by poor form and injury. That has opened the door for other candidates.
Binder isn't ready to surrender his seat just yet. He still has a chance to hold on, but he'll need a strong run of results to fend off the growing list of contenders. Di Giannantonio is also being courted by VR46, who are eager to keep him, but if he chooses to stay put, Mir could step into the KTM vacancy.
Meanwhile, Trackhouse is also reportedly interested in Mir, adding another layer of intrigue to what is shaping up to be one of the busiest rider markets in recent memory. For KTM, the message is clear: performance matters, and no seat is safe.