Marco Bezzecchi
KTM’s future in MotoGP is in limbo amid the current financial crisis at the company – but there could be some big news on the horizon.
The Austrian manufacturer is in self-administration and is currently in the process of insolvency. KTM are reporting debts of around £2.5bn.
Investment from a third party is needed to keep the company afloat. Lewis Hamilton’s potential deal collapsed as KTM are looking for investment in the whole organisation, not just the motorsport division.
Primary sponsor Red Bull are not a ‘serious’ candidate to take over KTM. While it would be the ideal scenario, Red Bull would have to pay up to £100 million to save the team if they so wished.
There have been growing concerns that the manufacturer’s performance in MotoGP will be affected by the crisis. Francesco Guidotti says performance is not the priority in 2025, but rather keeping the company’s doors open.
Pit Beirer is optimistic KTM’s restructuring plan will be approved with a ‘major racing component’
Amid the desperate situation, KTM have submitted a restructuring plan to its creditors to show how the organisation would proceed. One of the restructuring suggestions were to close the racing departments.
But KTM have reiterated their commitment to motorsport and are even looking ahead to the new regulations coming to MotoGP in 2027. The company will receive the creditors’ decision on their plan on February 25.
After speaking with motorsport director Pit Beirer at KTM’s 2025 bike launch, journalist Val Khourounzhiy noted that the Austrian is optimistic the plan will be approved – and it will come with a ‘major racing component’ for KTM in the future.
“He talked about it extensively and actually, just listening to him speak and listening to what he has to say”, said Khourounzhiy via The Race MotoGP YouTube channel.
“Obviously it’s all in the air, it’s not all in KTM’s hands. KTM is in self-administration right now, it is going through insolvency proceedings. It is in that 90-day process of where it needs to come up with a restricting plan.
“It needs to come up with solutions that will satisfy creditors, satisfy potential investors basically to keep the company on track.
“Racing always becomes expendable in that scenario but the message today from Pit Beirer is that there is an initial understanding and certainly a lot of optimism.
“When push comes to shove and what that restructuring plan is either approved or denied, that it probably will be approved and that it will be approved with still a major, major racing component”.
Why Pedro Acosta will be worried about KTM’s plan for their riders in 2025
The factory KTM and satellite Tech3 team unveiled their 2025 bikes on Thursday. Judging by their rider line-up, it seems KTM are more than prepared to challenge this season.
Pedro Acosta will move up from Tech3 to the factory team to partner with Brad Binder. The Spaniard had an incredible rookie season last year with five podiums as he finished sixth in the standings.
Factory Aprilia and Ducati riders Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini will race with Tech3. The duo have signed factory contracts alongside Acosta and Binder.
Beirer wanted to have Tech3 closer to the factory operation, hence why the team have adopted the factory KTM colours this season.
Furthermore, Vinales and Bastianini will receive new parts first if they outperform Acosta. The 20-year-old will be looking to prove himself against his fiercely competitive teammates.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
