Everything you need to know about the KTM MotoGP team including current riders and management

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KTM are effectively the youngest of the five manufacturers in MotoGP, so here is everything you need to know about their factory racing team.

While Aprilia technically joined the MotoGP grid most recently as a factory outfit, the Italian brand have a more extensive history in the premier class than KTM.

The Austrians only entered MotoGP for the first time as a factory team in 2017 when KTM ran Bradley Smith and Pol Espargaro as their full-time riders on the inaugural RC16.

KTM are also still yet to win any title since debuting in MotoGP, but have produced Grand Prix winning machines for the likes of Brad Binder and Miguel Oliveira.

KTM also have one of motorcycle racing’s most exciting talents on their hands in Pedro Acosta. But the long-term future of the KTM team is uncertain amid a financial crisis which may call for outside investment for them to stay on the grid.

But what is the full story behind KTM and their associated team in MotoGP? MotoGP News explains all…

KTM MotoGP team name

The KTM MotoGP team are officially known as Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. The energy drink company has been their title sponsor since the 2017 MotoGP Season.

Red Bull co-owner Mark Mateschitz has a close business relationship with KTM boss Stefan Pierer. They also sponsor satellite team Tech3.

KTM’s founding year

The KTM company was founded in 1934 but they didn’t enter MotoGP until 2017. They had previously been involved in the series, supplying engines to Team Roberts.

KTM made their first appearance at the 2016 Valencian Grand Prix ahead of their first full season. KTM had already established a presence in the Moto3 championship.

KTM’s current MotoGP riders

KTM have signed one of MotoGP’s youngest riders in Pedro Acosta for 2025. Acosta partners the experienced Brad Binder after graduating from Tech3.

Binder was already under contract, while Acosta earned a multi-year extension with his magnificent rookie performances. Jack Miller lost his seat to the Spaniard and will instead race for Pramac.

KTM’s current team manager and leadership hierarchy

Stefan Pierer is the overall CEO of KTM, but Pit Beirer takes charge of the MotoGP team as Motorsports Director. Team manager Francesco Guidotti left at the end of 2024, with Aki Ajo replacing him.

KTM have decided to dispense with the technical director position for 2025. They will instead share responsibilities among a host of engineers, including Ajo and Sebastian Risse.

KTM are a MotoGP constructor

KTM are one of five factory teams on the 2025 grid. They’re joined by Honda, Yamaha, Ducati and Aprilia.

They supply bikes to the Tech3 team, who are based in France. KTM will feature in their team name again from 2025, rather than GasGas – another brand owned by Pierer.

Which bike does KTM run in the 2025 MotoGP season?

KTM Factory Racing will field the latest specification of their RC16 bike for the 2025 MotoGP season and also provide two factory-spec bikes to satellite team Tech3. The RC16 debuted in 2016 as KTM entered the premier class and boasts a 1,000cc four-stroke, 86° V4 engine.

KTM MotoGP riders’ championships

KTM have yet to win any riders’ championships since entering the premier class in 2017. Binder produced their best showing to date in 2023 when he finished fourth with 293 points.

KTM MotoGP teams’ championships

Likewise, KTM haven’t won any MotoGP teams’ titles yet. Binder and Miguel Oliveira delivered a runner-up finish behind Ducati in 2022.

KTM MotoGP constructors’ championships

Aprilia and KTM are the only two teams without a constructors’ crown at MotoGP level. However, the Austrian squad have managed runner-up finishes behind Ducati in each of the last two years.

KTM factory base

The wider KTM brand is based in Mattighofen, a small town near the Austrian city of Salzburg. They’ve been there ever since they were established nearly 100 years ago.

The MotoGP team works from a dedicated motorsport facility in Munderfing, a matter of minutes away. The site was opened in 2016.

KTM factory address

KTM Factory Racing: Gewerbegebiet Nord 2, 5222 Munderfing, Austria