The ‘obvious’ problem MotoGP now faces if KTM no longer runs a team from 2026 onwards

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KTM are just over one month away from facing creditors who will assess their restructuring plans for the future, as well as the fate of their MotoGP operations.

It has been two months since the Austrian outfit entered self-administration to tackle what has now been confirmed as £1.52 billion (€1.8 billion) of debt.

KTM’s share price has increased in recent weeks, giving the operation some hope of pulling through the situation.

February 25 will decide the fate of the company, and whether they will be in the paddock for the season-opening Thailand Grand Prix three days later at all.

They have assembled an impressive team for 2025 including 19-year-old Spanish sensation Pedro Acosta, who spent time at their satellite Tech3 team last season.

He partners Brad Binder – a rider who has finished inside the top six of the championship in every season since 2021.

MotoGP is missing an ‘obvious replacement’ for KTM if they leave after 2026

Binder can’t get his head around Acosta’s braking on the KTM and they haven’t even spent a race together as teammates yet. It’s a promising sign for the championship dark horse.

Marco Melandri fears KTM will fail Acosta though and that their development will be hindered by their financial issues. It’s the only thing that could stop them from challenging for the title if they start well.

Under normal circumstances, they would be the favourites to tackle the ominous Ducati factory line-up of Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez.

READ MORE: Pedro Acosta will be worried when he hears what ex-KTM boss has said about 2025 MotoGP prospects

The GP25 bike they unveiled this week is expected to hold an advantage at the start of the season, but their rivals could learn from what they bring to the track.

According to The Race, MotoGP are believed to be missing an ‘obvious replacement’ for KTM in the event they drop off the grid after 2026.

Having lost Suzuki at the end of the 2022 season, it would be a big blow to see another team leave without anyone to fill the void they leave.

Why KTM’s motorsport division is part of their ‘future business plan’

It’s not a given that KTM will opt to leave MotoGP before the start of the new regulations in 2027 if their restructuring plans are approved next month.

If they enjoy success over either of the next two seasons, it would make them more inclined to continue to run.

READ MORE: KTM bosses decided that ‘radical’ idea was absolutely out of the question for 2025 MotoGP season

KTM’s managing director confirmed their decision on their MotoGP future last week and revealed that not all hope is lost yet over remaining in the series long-term.

“We need motorsport as the main instrument for marketing our products,” he said.

“[Peter Vogl] is clearly heavily involved and now knows the importance of motorsport as a marketing tool. Motorsport is part of the future business plan, whoever the owner and investor will be. We will be in MotoGP at least until 2026, as planned,”