The newly-rebranded GASGAS Tech 3 squad unveiled its war colours for the 2023 MotoGP season, the teams KTM old orange replaced by a vibrant red that represents its new partner.
The French outfit – which has acted as KTM’s official satellite operation since the 2019 term – ran in the colours of its bike provider following the exit of main title partner Red Bull at the end of 2021, though the Austrian brand elected to bring its newly acquired GASGAS brand into the premier class of motorcycle grand prix racing for this year.
The arrival of GASGAS also ensures that MotoGP continues to host six manufacturers following the shock withdrawal of Suzuki last year – though the Spanish manufacturers first foray into the series will be with re-branded KTM RC16 prototypes.
GASGAS’ first premier class livery is a simple but impactful one, with its famous bright red corporate colour forming the base of the machine with its logo and tag line draped down the side of the RC16.
GasGas Tech 3’s 2023 rider line-up – consisting of eight-time MotoGP podium finisher Pol Espargaro and reigning Moto2 world champion Augusto Fernandez – were on hand to remove the covers from their new steed, with GasGas motorsports director Pit Beirer describing the refreshed operation’s overall structure as the “best of the best.”
“When we first put that Moto3 GASGAS bike on the grid – with our fantastic partner in the Aspar Racing Team – nobody was even dreaming of a MotoGP team two years later but here we are with our new baby and our new brand,” said Beirer.
“I feel we have a strong combination. You have Augusto (Fernandez), the young one who is world champion and is hungry, looking up to the big boys but then you have a guy like Pol (Espargaro) coming back to the family who is a fighter and who motivates the whole team and who, of course, brings some really good MotoGP experience.
“It is a new direction for our friends Tech3, and in terms of the structure we combined the best of the best.
“I feel it is an exciting time, and with these two riders and this new brand; I feel we are ready to go.”