The Austrian brand KTM went through a particularly delicate period at the end of 2024. Hit hard by an unprecedented financial crisis, the company found itself on the verge of bankruptcy, endangering its activities, including his participation in the prestigious MotoGP world championship. The competition director, Pit Beirer, recognized the scale of the crisis and the consequences for the teams entered in the Grand Prix. He underlined the importance of this discipline for KTM's brand image, while highlighting the challenges to ensure the sustainability of the company.
December 20 will remain a significant date in the recent history of KTM. While the Austrian manufacturer is going through an unprecedented financial crisis, this day sealed the continuity of its commitment to MotoGP despite a restructuring process supervised by the courts. For
Pit Beirerdirector of the competition, this is a major step forward which offers a breath of hope to a company in the midst of an existential challenge.
With debts of around 1.5 billion euros,
KTM had to initiate restructuring to ensure its survival. The shock was immense for the employees, as admitted Beirer : « the fact that we are in a situation where a restructuring request was submitted on November 29 was a big shock for every KTM employee. The days that followed were extremely difficult. »
But thanks to the support of partners, investors and a collective will, KTM has obtained recognition of its restructuring plan by the regional court of Ried im Innkreis, allowing the company to continue its commitment to MotoGP in 2025. KTM
will field two teams and four drivers: Brad Binder, Pedro Acosta, Enea Bastianini et
Maverick Viñales.
Pit Beirer :
« it's not just about MotoGP or the World Championship. It's almost all or nothing for KTM »
Pour Beirerthis decision goes beyond the simple sporting framework. “ It's not just about MotoGP or the World Championship. It's almost all or nothing for KTM. December 20 was an early Christmas for us, a vital milestone victory that inspired the entire company.
»
The race, beyond its competitive aspect, remains a strategic pillar for KTM. « The race is our number one advertising measure and
is crucial for the future of the company. It also represents the fight for every job that we must not give up. KTM fights together as a family “, he added on Speedweek.
Although this step offers respite, Pit
Beirer remain lucid: this is not a guarantee for the future, but an important milestone.
KTM will need to continue to move diligently to take the next steps, while preserving as many jobs as possible.
With this renewed commitment to MotoGP and an ongoing restructuring, KTM shows that she has not lost her competitive spirit. 2025 could be the year the brand, true to its “Ready to Race” DNA, proves that adversity can be overcome through collective resilience.
