The Tech3 team has announced its Moto3 line-up for 2026: rookie Rico Salmela will be joining the team alongside the already confirmed rider, Valentin Perrone, Salmela will be the only Finnish rider in the MotoGP.
"I'm really happy about this news," Salmela said. "This season has been good, and it paid off because I'm about to join one of the best teams in the paddock. It's really great! It gives me a lot of confidence to know that there's so much experience and that Tech3 is a top team. I couldn't ask for anything better. I'll do my best during the winter to prepare myself as best as I can for 2026. Thanks to all the people who support and help me. Also, a big, big thank you to Tech3 and KTM for giving me the chance to race in the Moto3."
Poncharal added: "We're proud to announce having signed on Rico Salmela, who completes our 2026 Moto3 line-up along with Valentin Perrone. I've been following him closely all year. He's a talented young rider, fighting in all the races with the best riders, and he's having a fantastic season in the JuniorGP. He's currently second in the championship. It's the perfect time for him to move up to the Moto3, where he'll join Valentin, forming a young, exciting, and rather unusual Finnish-Argentinean duo. I'm sure they'll help each other a lot, and Rico will have a great example in his new teammate, who's having a fantastic rookie season this year and should be fighting for the championship in 2026. We're extremely happy that our close relationship with KTM and Red Bull continues to give us the perfect platform to welcome the best riders of the next generation, and we look forward to welcoming Rico among us."