KTM's situation in MotoGP is becoming more worrying every day. As the Austrian manufacturer faces major financial difficulties, strategic decisions are putting the development of its MotoGP prototypes on hold, fueling speculation about its future in the premier category. Despite assurances of commitment until 2027, uncertainty hangs over the future of the team and its drivers.
KTM has decided to interrupt the development of its MotoGP motorcycles until March 2025. Thus, the prototypes that will arrive at the Sepang tests in February will be identical to those tested in Barcelona. This stagnation risks compromising the performance of riders like Pedro Acosta, Brad Binder, Maverick Viñales and Enea Bastianini, who will have to deal with unchanged machines in the face of fierce competition, notably that of Ducati. But KTM told Crash.net on Tuesday that it “ there will be a private test in Jerez in December ».
According to internal sources, this decision reflects an austerity strategy in response to the critical financial situation of
KTMwhose parent company, Pierer
Industries AGdeclares debts reaching 3 billion euros. The difficulties also affect other activities of the group, in particular the production of road motorcycles, stopped for the first months of 2025.
KTM affirms that he will respect his contract with
Dorna until the end of 2027, but doubts remain about the sustainability of its investment in MotoGP. Leaders, in particular Hubert Trunkenpolz et
Pit Beirertried to reassure by declaring: “
we will race in MotoGP next year and the year after. We see sport as a crucial marketing tool for the KTM brand. »
KTM Racing GmbH” is not involved in the ongoing “judicial restructuring proceedings” at KTM AG
However, this statement masks the drastic financial adjustments underway. KTM seeks to optimize costs without directly compromising on-track performance, although the temporary halt to development raises concerns about medium-term competitiveness.
In the short term, KTM benefits from the technical freeze in MotoGP, which limits engine development from 2025 until the end of 2026. This could stabilize the competition and limit the impact of budgetary constraints. However, the new rules from 2027, with a reduction in displacement to 850cc, will require significant investments in the development of suitable machines, a deadline which could increase financial pressures.
Faced with uncertainty around KTMDorna Sports is studying alternative solutions to avoid a withdrawal of the Austrian team and maintain a full grid. Among the options discussed are increased support for Red
Bullkey partner of KTMor even looking for other manufacturers like Suzuki or BMW to fill possible gaps in the future.
The decisions of KTM will have a direct impact on its pilots. The arrival of
Pedro Acostarising star of MotoGP, in a context of technical stagnation, could slow down his progress and fuel frustrations. The team Tech3along with Viñales and Bastianini, also risks suffering the consequences of this pause in development. These challenges could make it more difficult for KTMwhich nevertheless fields one of the best rider teams since its entry into MotoGP in 2017.
KTM finds itself at a critical turning point in its MotoGP history. Between finances under pressure and technical stagnation, his commitment to the competition is put to the test. Although the brand has confirmed its presence in the short term, the evolution of the financial situation and the technical requirements of 2027 will determine its long-term future in the premier category. For now, KTM will have to concentrate on optimizing its resources and hope that the guarantees of Red Bull et
Dorna will help stabilize the project.
