Tech3 emphasized that the decision-making process for the 2027 MotoGP lineup involved between Senna Agius and Moto2 champion Manuel Gonzalez was very difficult, stressing that age factors and long-term development potential were decisive in the decision.
Tech3 will enter the new technical era of MotoGP starting in 2027 with a driver lineup completely renewed. The team had announced Luca Marini and Senna Agius as the 2027 MotoGP riders before the Red Bull Ring weekend. However, Agius's selection was not an easy decision.
Age Factor and Development Potential
Guenther Steiner stated that the potential for future development was as influential as the current results in deciding Agius's selection.
It was very difficult to decide between the two.
Steiner indicated that he saw Senna Agius having the potential to become a big name in MotoGP, and they felt they were lucky because many people were interested in her.
Experience and Technical Changes
Tech3's plan was built around having experienced Luca Marini and Agius, who will be the first to step into MotoGP, in the same garage.
Luca has experience for us, and then we bring Senna from Moto2.
Steiner believed that 2027 was a suitable time to bring a rider from Moto2 to MotoGP. In 2027, MotoGP will switch to 850cc engines and Pirelli tires. According to Steiner, this change could make the adaptation of a rider from Moto2 to MotoGP easier compared to the current situation.
It is a good year to bring a rider from Moto2. Because the difference between the MotoGP bikes and the Moto2 bikes next year will be smaller than it is now, and she already has experience with their Pirelli tires.
The fact that Agius uses Pirelli tires in Moto2 was one of the factors Tech3 considered before the 2027 season when MotoGP will also switch to the same manufacturer.
Gonzalez's Performance and Age Difference
Manuel Gonzalez's current performance was one of the factors that drew attention in Tech3's decision. Gonzalez is leading the Moto2 championship and is ahead of Agius. Nevertheless, Gonzalez will not be among the four riders moving from Moto2 to MotoGP in 2027.
Manu Gonzalez is currently leading the championship, ahead of Senna. But from our perspective, the age factor was influential regarding Senna.
Steiner believes that the three-year difference gives Tech3 more time to develop Agius.
Three years younger, and we have more time to develop her.
However, Agius is 21, and Gonzalez is 24.
Agius's First MotoGP Test and the Australian Perspective
Following the announcement of Tech3's decision, Senna Agius had the opportunity to ride a MotoGP bike on track for the first time in the Pirelli test at the Red Bull Ring. According to information from the test, where no official timing was available, Agius's lap time was only 0.4 seconds behind that of the current Tech3 rider Maverick Vinales. It was reported that both riders were using 1000cc bikes adapted with Pirelli tires instead of the new 850cc prototype. Therefore, although the test results did not constitute an official ranking, Agius completed her first experience with a MotoGP bike in preparation for 2027.
Agius's move to MotoGP also carries a separate significance for Australia. With Jack Miller leaving MotoGP for WorldSBK in 2027, Agius will be the only Australian on the MotoGP grid next season. With the addition of a new Adelaide race to the calendar, Agius will have the opportunity to compete as a MotoGP rider from her home country. Steiner is aware that this situation will generate significant interest in the young rider.
What a shame that Jack Miller will no longer be in MotoGP, so Senna will be the only Australian.
Steiner also believes that the interest in Agius will be special in Adelaide.
It must be great for her to return to Australia as a MotoGP rider. With Adelaide becoming a new race, there will be great interest.
Steiner concluded with a humorous warning:
I hope it won't be too much and distract attention! We need to keep her under control. We will catch her somewhere!
Tech3 stated that the 2027 lineup would feature two different profiles. On one side, Luca Marini, who has competed in MotoGP for many years, and on the other, Senna Agius, who will come from Moto2 at age 21. Despite Manuel Gonzalez leading the championship, giving the seat to Agius shows that Tech3 is not acting solely based on current results. According to Steiner's statements, Agius's age, her long-term development potential, her experience with Pirelli, and the belief that the technical difference between Moto2 and MotoGP will decrease in 2027 played a significant role in the team's preference. Although Gonzalez is currently leading the Moto2 championship, Tech3 chose the younger Senna Agius for the future in MotoGP.
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Go to sourceCompiled by Şükrü Utku Poyraz
