KTM is currently going through a turbulent period, with major restructuring and changes in the management of its MotoGP team. This situation recalls the recurring criticisms regarding the lack of patience and stability of the Austrian brand. Since entering MotoGP in 2017, KTM has set itself the goal of becoming competitive in five years, taking Suzuki as a model. However, despite some successes, the brand has not yet achieved its goals, especially in a season dominated by Ducati.
Francesco Guidottiwho had joined
KTM in 2022 after leading the team
Pramacis reportedly set to leave his position as team manager, although he is under contract until the
end of 2025His departure follows that of the technical director. Fabiano Sterlacchiniwhose contract was not renewed. Alberto Giribuolaanother key member of the team, has already been reassigned to the role of team leader for Augusto Fernandez at the house of
Tech3.
A member of the team KTM expressed his frustration with this instability on motorsport-total: ”
there is no patience here. It’s the worst thing that can happen in a factory in MotoGP. You need stability and you need to let the people you hire work. But unfortunately, this does not happen.. »
The question of succession Guidotti remains open, with names like
Dani Pedrosa And Aki Ajo
mentioned. Pedrosawho plays a crucial role in the development of the RC16, is however reluctant to take on a team management position due to his wish to spend more time with his family. Aki Ajowho led the junior teams of KTM successfully, could be a plausible alternative, especially as he had considered leading a possible third MotoGP team for KTM if
Dorna And IRTA had granted an additional place.
Pedro Acosta: ” We have received assurances from KTM that investment in the MotoGP project will continue »
The financial situation of KTM is also worrying. Pierer Mobility AGthe parent company of KTM, saw Its motorcycle sales will fall by 27% in the first half of 2024The company’s stock has plummeted,
from 65 euros a year ago to 25 euros todayThis drop in sales is accompanied by job cuts, mainly in Austria, where 309 positions were cut out of a total of 373.
Despite these difficulties, Pierer remains determined to continue the MotoGP adventure, seen as a prestige project. The group seeks to re-energize its team and reduce the gap with Ducatiwhile maintaining his commitment to the championship. Miguel Oliveira had won KTM’s last victory in the fall of 2022, and the team remains competitive against Aprilia for second place in manufacturers ranking.
However, KTM holds a sad record: that of the highest number of falls with a four-rider squad, with 56 incidents recorded over the first 14 race weekends, which reflects the team’s current difficulties on the sporting front.
Aprilia there are 30 of them and at
Honda 29
KTM is at a crucial turning point in its history in MotoGP, having to reconcile internal reorganization, financial constraints and the need to remain competitive in the face of increasingly aggressive competitors. But
Pedro Acosta reassures: ” We have received assurances that investment in the MotoGP project will continue ” he said.
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