KTM exit could trigger MotoGP rider market ‘bloodbath’ and cost Ducati-linked star his seat

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KTM riders Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder will be widely coveted in the MotoGP rider market if the team drop off the grid. And there’s a very real chance of that happening.

KTM have amassed more than £2bn of debt. The manufacturer may be forced to scrap their MotoGP operation, freeing up funds for repayment.

With a bike launch scheduled for 30 January, KTM are committed to racing this year. But it’s possible that they walk away before 2026, or more likely 2027.

Neither of the factory team riders would have any issue finding a competitive bike elsewhere. Acosta enjoyed one of the most impressive rookie seasons in recent years, scoring five Grand Prix podiums and finishing sixth in the championship for Tech3.

Binder is nine years older than Acosta and has also established himself as a desirable rider. In his 92 premier-class races so far, he’s scored two victories and 11 podiums.

Should the field shrink by two or even four bikes, there will inevitably be casualties. And speaking on The Race’s MotoGP podcast, journalist Val Khorounzhiy named two riders who are at risk.

Franco Morbidelli and Jack Miller could ‘lose out’ if KTM riders become available

Khorounzhiy believes that Franco Morbidelli and Jack Miller are the most vulnerable. Morbidelli left Pramac following their split with Ducati, instead joining VR46.

Ducati will favour teammate Fabio Di Giannantonio, handing him a 2025-spec bike. His compatriot will continue on the 2024 machinery.

Cruelly, Miller has only just lost his KTM seat. He’ll race for Pramac this season after signing a Yamaha contract.

The Australian was the final rider to secure a spot on the grid, and even then he’s only signed a one-year deal. Khorounzhiy wonders if there will be a last in, first out dynamic if KTM spark a rider market ‘bloodbath’.

“There’s a very distinct possibility that Jack Miller gets shafted two years in a row by KTM despite not even riding for them anymore,” he said. “Him and Franco Morbidelli have to be two of the obvious ones who are going to lose out if there’s a reshuffling, and Brad Binder and Pedro Acosta have to find spaces on the grid again. It’s going to be a bit of a bloodbath.”

Lewis Hamilton talks over KTM deal may not be what they seem

KTM are still hoping to secure enough external investment to continue in MotoGP. To that end, they’ve held talks with seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton.

Hamilton seems keen to establish a foothold at the pinnacle of motorcycle racing. There was talk last season about a deal with Gresini.

But rather than saving them, Hamilton may ask KTM to walk away. It’s possible that he’s more interested in their grid spots, which he can offer to a new manufacturer come 2027.