Why Pedro Acosta has not been back to the KTM factory since key talks surrounding MotoGP future

Add as preferred source on Google

KTM are at risk of shutting down their motorsport division as they face a severe financial crisis.

The Austrian manufacturer are reporting debts of around £2.5bn and are in self-administration under Austrian law. Heading into the 2025 MotoGP season, their future in the premier class is in doubt.

The company are also heavily involved in Moto2 and Moto3. KTM have assured their Level-Up team they face ‘no problems’ on the motorsport side, but it is feared their their situation will eventually affect it.

KTM’s financial woes could not have come at a worse time considering the impressive rider line-ups they have in their factory and satellite team,

Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini give satellite outfit Tech3 a strong and experienced pairing while rising talent Pedro Acosta partners with Brad Binder at KTM Factory Racing.

Pedro Acosta did not visit the KTM factory as the board emphasised their commitment to motorsport

Acosta is one of MotoGP’s hottest prospects. The 20-year-old finished sixth in the Riders’ Championship in his rookie season in 2024, grabbing five podiums.

The Spaniard is already being targeted by other teams amid KTM’s crisis. Acosta is being eyed by Honda as he could be made available on the rider market come 2027.

Understandably, the 20-year-old has sought to find out answers to KTM’s situation. According to a report from GPOne, Acosta and his manager Albert Valera visited the KTM factory in Austria ‘to find out first-hand’ if their 2025 bike would be further developed and if they can challenge for the title.

The report details that Acosta did not visit KTM a second time. This was because board members Stefan Pierer and Gottfried Neumister ‘repeatedly emphasise to creditors’ that they are committed to motorsport and that ‘the company can only continue if the motorsport commitment is accepted and made possible as part of the restructuring plan.’

As it stands, the board have received ‘positive signals’, with a final decision on the matter set to be made on February 25.

What have Red Bull have said about taking over KTM?

KTM need to find investment from other parties, with speculation that seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton was interested in becoming an investor.

The Brit was in advanced talks with KTM according to Pierer. But Hamilton’s deal is now expected to fall through as the manufacturer’s goal is to find investment for the company, not just its motorsport operations.

Hamilton’s former team Mercedes could be a ‘candidate’ to save KTM with the Brit’s proposal set to collapse.

With the German manufacturer’s reported interest, it would be natural to assume their rivals and KTM’s primary sponsor Red Bull would also be interested.

However, Red Bull is not a ‘serious candidate’ to save KTM, leaving their current situation unknown as pre-season testing nears closer.