Image: Octopi Media.

Quad Lock Honda team owner Yarrive Konsky has addressed the ongoing rumors linking Joey Savatgy to Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati for 2027, while alluding to a renewed focus on the 250 class into the future.

It has been unclear for some time whether 32-year-old Savatgy would be continuing at the independent Honda team for next season, off the back of finishing eighth in the 450SX standings this year.

With Dylan Ferrandis retiring and Justin Barcia departing for PMG Suzuki, Ducati has signed RJ Hampshire in a multi-year agreement, but has been searching for a second rider to continue its factory Desmo450 MX development. Savatgy has since emerged as the most likely candidate – with current speculation suggesting the deal has already been done.

“Yeah, he’s definitely talking to a couple of other teams,” Konsky revealed at Townsville’s opening round of the Boost Mobile AUSX Supercross Championship. “Within his contract, there’s a factory exclusion. If something comes along, we need to be mindful.

“Whether or not we can compete with that offer is yet to be seen, but ultimately, our focus for next year is not only the 450 class, but a renewed focus and a resurgence of where American Honda want to see us competing in the 250 class for titles, which is evident with the riders that we have.”

Former SX1 champion Savatgy was due to contest the weekend’s opening round of the Australian series – which he won in 2024 – but was absent altogether, with Konsky noncommittal to his presence in any of the four rounds remaining. The opener was dominated by fellow American Christian Craig as part of Konsky’s factory-backed Australian Honda Racing team.

“We’ll wait and see how that unfolds,” he explained. “Obviously, he missed the second race at the final round of SMX – he knocked his head, so it was smart of us not to bring him here this weekend. Whether or not we see him for the remainder of the year is, again, yet to be seen.”

Quad Lock Honda has already confirmed the recruitment of Cameron McAdoo for next season to lead its bolstered 250 program, with Brodie Connolly expected to remain in the US for another season, and Michael Mosiman also being linked to the team. The 450 class will see Craig continue with the organization.