Marco Bezzecchi
KTM have been making the MotoGP headlines for what seems like all the wrong reasons since entering self-administration after the end of the 2024 season.
Tackling over £1.6 billion (€2 billion) in debts, they must face creditors on February 25 with a plan for the future.
Their restructuring must satisfy that it’s a positive step in the right direction towards fixing their current situation.
It’s less than ideal that KTM faces such a meeting just three days before the official start of the season at the Thailand Grand Prix.
KTM has already cut a staggering 2,000 employees ahead of the 2025 season, as the company looks to streamline their operations and save money where it can.
They have affirmed their commitment to MotoGP until at least 2026 though, meaning that they will compete for another two seasons before possibly dropping off the grid.
KTM’s participation in MotoGP’s Sepang shakedown a ‘very great sign’
Neither of KTM’s factory contracted riders completed this week’s Sepang shakedown test – an event for rookies and test riders to mainly take advantage of.
Both Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder will feature for them in this week’s official test, but two riders with ample experience were placed onto the bike for the shakedown.
Pol Espargaro and Dani Pedrosa completed all three days on the bike, and their experience and feedback should be of use to the team as they prepare their bike for the season.
READ MORE: Pit Beirer dropped a ‘major’ hint about KTM’s MotoGP future at 2025 bike launch
Giovanni Zamagni thinks that KTM showed a very good sign by running smoothly in Sepang ahead of their meeting with the creditors on February 25.
“There is no huge news, it doesn’t seem to me that there are big changes compared to Barcelona,” he said. “I don’t know if something has changed under the fairing [or] if there have been any engine changes.
“Let’s see. On the one hand, this is a very great sign of optimism on the part of those who are responsible for the racing part of KTM.
“While on the other side, this judgement hangs, especially on the part of the creditors, we remind you that until February 25th, in reality, it will not be possible to know exactly what the future of KTM will be.”
Why KTM instructed Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder not to talk about the financial crisis
Binder and Acosta could be dark horse candidates for the MotoGP riders’ championship in 2025, having finished inside the top six of the standings last season.
They’re tasked with leading this team to success, and they may be the most talented duo that the outfit has had since their debut in 2017.
Binder and Acosta were instructed not to talk about the financial crisis at KTM’s 2025 bike launch as they continue their preparation for the new season.
Instead, questions were to be diverted to Pit Berier who is in a better position to answer any queries about the situation as Motorsport Director of the company.
READ MORE: Tech3 boss shares ‘alien’ verdict on Pedro Acosta after KTM MotoGP move
MotoGP faces an obvious problem if KTM leaves in 2026, with no replacement manufacturer lined up to fill the void they would leave.
It would also be a problem for Acosta and Binder, who are contracted through the next two seasons but would be forced to search for new rides ahead of the start of the new regulations in 2027.
If the young Spaniard can replicate his rookie form and develop as a rider, he will receive no shortage of calls from other teams interested in his services.
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