One KTM rider disappointed with progress during Sepang MotoGP test after discovering Yamaha ‘problem’

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KTM’s future in MotoGP will be decided in just over two weeks as they face a meeting with creditors over a proposed restructuring plan.

The Austrian outfit must satisfy that they will be able to tackle 30% of their debts over the next two years if they are to move ahead with their own plans. KTM is in £1.8 billion in arrears according to Autosport.

They did manage to hit the track running in MotoGP’s pre-season test at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia, and their schedule appeared unflustered by external factors.

Pedro Acosta looked impressive on his official debut for the factory team and finished sixth on the third and final day of running, while Brad Binder looked as solid as ever.

KTM insiders are ‘convinced’ restructuring plans will succeed ahead of their meeting with creditors on February 25.

However, Acosta interrupted an interview to make a firm KTM statement after being questioned as to whether he had ever had any doubts about the team.

Pedro Acosta and KTM face a new ‘problem’ after Yamaha’s MotoGP ascension

Acosta’s negative facial expression after riding KTM’s new bike at testing says a lot about where the team’s performance lies currently.

After an incredible winter of development and an impressive pre-season so far, it’s Yamaha and Fabio Quartararo who have been the surprise package of the field.

They set some blistering times and finished inside the top three on every day of running. They may have jumped from the fourth-best to the second-best team.

READ MORE: Enea Bastianini may have to do something he’s ‘never’ attempted after looking at Pedro Acosta’s KTM data

Peter Bom believes that it could be a problem for KTM, who had hopes of being the second-fastest team at least in 2025.

“Binder was doing a lot of work. When I saw him, it was a different bike,” he said. “I followed Pedro more on the timesheets and he is not where he wanted to be.

“He only wants to be first. When he’s sixth in the sheets, and lap by lap, not so great – it means Yamaha have overtaken you suddenly, there is more problem than before.”

Enea Bastianini fears KTM are ‘missing something’ after Sepang test

While Yamaha will now be working in partnership with Pramac this season, which is a major boost to their hopes, KTM will have assistance too.

After signing Enea Bastianini from the factory Ducati setup, Tech3 have a very solid platform to assist KTM with this season.

He’s a race-winner at this level and his knowledge will be valuable to them. Bastianini already fears KTM are ‘missing something’ after Sepang, where he struggled for outright pace.

They have just under three weeks to prepare for the season-opening Thailand Grand Prix and have another test in Buriram before things get serious.

Extracting more performance will be a key focus of the next test before they face a nervous wait to hear the decision of the creditors regarding their restructuring plan.