Salmela joins Red Bull KTM Tech3 to complete 2026 Moto3™ line-up alongside Perrone.
Red Bull KTM Tech3 is pleased to integrate a new rookie into the squad for the 2026 Moto3™ World Championship, as Rico Salmela has been signed to compete alongside Valentin Perrone next season with the all-conquering KTM RC4.
Salmela will enjoy the distinction of being the only Finnish rider active in the MotoGP™ paddock in 2026. The 17-year-old will compete alongside Perrone, who is currently negotiating his own Moto3™ debut charge in 2025, and has already grasped two podiums and two pole positions. Salmela gained four podiums in the 2024 Red Bull MotoGP™ Rookies Cup before switching his focus to FIM JuniorGP™ in 2025, where he has registered five consecutive podiums so far, to sit in contention for the crown as two rounds remain.
The whole Red Bull KTM Tech3 team wishes the warmest welcome to Rico, as we are thrilled for this young, exciting, but unusual, Finnish-Argentinean duo!
Rico Salmela: “Really happy about the news! This season has been good and has paid-off because I’m going to one of the best teams in the paddock; it’s really nice! It gives me a lot of confidence knowing that there is a lot of experience, and Tech3 is a top level team. I cannot ask for more. I’ll do my best during the winter to prepare myself in the best way for 2026. Thanks to all the people behind me and helping me. Also, a big, big thank you to Tech3 and KTM for giving me the chance in Moto3.”
Hervé Poncharal, Team Principal: “We are proud to announce the signing of Rico Salmela, who completes our 2026 Moto3™ line-up alongside Valentin Perrone. I have been following him closely all year-long, he is a talented young rider, fighting all races with the top riders, and he is having a fantastic season in JuniorGP so far, currently standing in 2nd in the championship. It is the perfect moment for him to step up in Moto3 as he joins Valentin to form a young, exciting and quite unusual Finnish-Argentinean duo. I am sure that they will both help each other a lot, and Rico will have a great example in his new teammate, who is having a fantastic rookie season this year, and he is expected to fight for the championship in 2026. We are extremely happy that our close relationship with both KTM and Red Bull will continue to give us the perfect platform to welcome the best riders of the next generation, and we are looking forward to welcoming Rico amongst us!”
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