£43bn F1 manufacturer may be a ‘candidate’ to save KTM MotoGP team amid Stefan Pierer links

Add as preferred source on Google

KTM are on the brink of collapse and are awaiting a saviour for them as their future as both a motorcycle manufacturer and MotoGP team grows in doubt.

A report from Der Standard suggests that there are plans for them to leave the sport after 2026, just before the start of the new technical regulations.

It follows a declaration of insolvency by parent company Pierer Mobility, with debts of nearly €3 billion (£2.5 billion).

KTM has the best factory rider pairing it has had for a long while with Brad Binder joined by promising star Pedro Acosta.

It would be a shame for them not to get the opportunity to blossom over the coming years if the team is forced to scale back its operations as a result of their financial woes.

Mercedes could be an option to save KTM with financial injection

There were discussions for Lewis Hamilton to take over the reins of the team, but his offer for just the MotoGP part of the manufacturer wasn’t of much use considering the whole company needs a cash injection.

The team has stood firm in their intentions to compete for the time being, but there will be external pressure on saving money in all areas.

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

The £43bn-valued Mercedes could be a takeover candidate, according to Autosport, with KTM CEO Stefan Pierer involved in their meetings since 2023.

Few companies are in a better position to come in and save KTM from its financial woes, forming an incredibly exciting partnership in the process.

Will KTM be able to retain its MotoGP riders?

KTM does have a very solid line-up in 2025, with Binder and Acosta being two riders who finished inside the top six of the championship last year.

The problem is that the team’s vulnerabilities could lead to interest from more stable rival outfits who are looking for long-term solutions.

READ MORE: Why Lewis Hamilton may demand that KTM leave MotoGP in investment talks

Acosta is one of the hottest properties on the market and has already been exploring his options if he is forced into a move.

Honda could probably offer him the best package for 2026 but he would still have to wait the rest of the season before moving.

It’s a trickier task for Binder who has been with the team since 2020 and may be forced to move for the first time in his MotoGP career.