Marco Bezzecchi
KTM are awaiting the decision of creditors regarding a restructuring plan that will ultimately decide where their MotoGP future lies beyond the end of next week.
At the end of last November, KTM entered self-administration in a bid to tackle debts totalling billions of pounds.
They have assured fans of their commitment to the sport until at least the end of the 2026 season, just before the start of the new MotoGP regulations in 2027.
MotoGP faces an obvious problem from 2026 if KTM leaves with no clear alternative for a manufacturer to come in and replace them straight away, possibly leaving just four on the grid.
It’s also a problem for both Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder, whose futures are suddenly in doubt despite being under contract for the next two seasons. There are no guarantees currently.
On a positive note, KTM insiders are convinced of one thing before the 2025 MotoGP season. That their restructuring plans will succeed. If they don’t, it will have knock-on effects for their satellite Tech3 outfit too.
Herve Poncharal says Tech3 ‘didn’t back down’ amid KTM financial woes
Tech3 enjoyed some success with talented Spanish star Acosta for the first time in nearly a decade last season, with five podiums in 20 Grands Prix.
Acosta may be worried about KTM’s plan for Tech3 after deciding to give them the same machinery as the factory team he has just been promoted to for 2025.
It leaves all four bikes on a level playing field but should help them drive their development forward with positive and representative feedback.
READ MORE: Maverick Vinales has ‘a problem’ at KTM Tech3 after comparing Sepang Test to Pedro Acosta
Tech3 boss Herve Poncharal has revealed what the satellite team’s response to KTM’s financial woes was like during the off-season.
“Their reaction says a lot, and, in Mattighofen, they were always transparent. They told us what the issues actually were and the ideas they had for trying to recover,” he told GPOne.
“We listened discretely and without comment, although we didn’t back down when help was needed. Personally, I’m proud of that, and I think KTM itself realised that what binds us is a partnership that goes beyond a contract but is human.”
Why Tech3 were ‘worried’ about signing Enea Bastianini from Ducati for 2025
Enea Bastianini received the pleasure of riding the dominant factory Ducati bike in 2024 but was dropped in favour of Marc Marquez after some struggles.
He rushed to sign a deal with Tech3 before KTM’s financial situation came to the surface. If they perform as they did last year, it could still be a good move.
READ MORE: Tech3 boss shares ‘alien’ verdict on Pedro Acosta after KTM MotoGP move
Poncharal revealed Tech3 were worried about signing Bastianini after fearing that moving to a slower bike would be a comedown for him.
He seemed to cope well in pre-season testing at both Sepang and Buriram, so there’s plenty of hope for 2025 if KTM’s restructuring plans are accepted.
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