Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder are refusing to ‘bring up’ a big problem with the KTM bike during interviews

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KTM have endured a worrying start to the 2025 MotoGP season. Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder have encountered numerous issues with the RC16.

KTM suffered a ‘horrific’ rear tyre issue in the Buriram test. The Michelin rubber was ‘absolutely chewed’ when Acosta and Binder returned to the pits.

While Acosta was consistently the quickest of the KTM riders in testing, the Spaniard was not too impressed with his machinery. Acosta was at a loss to explain KTM’s woes in pre-season, which is worrying heading into the Thailand Grand Prix.

Ahead of the season opener, KTM launched a media blackout for Acosta and Binder. It comes amid the company’s severe financial crisis and the February 25 deadline for creditors to approve their restructuring plan.

Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder refuse to ‘bring up’ chatter issue with the KTM bike

The blackout does not apply to Tech3 riders Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini. However, it is unlikely an answer will be given for KTM’s tyre woes.

Acosta’s bike risks being a ‘rider safety issue’ if the problem is not resolved. But the tyres are not the only problem KTM are suffering with – and the riders are refusing to acknowledge it.

Speaking on the Crash MotoGP Podcast, journalist Peter McLaren says the chatter issue with the RC16 is ‘still there’. However, Acosta and Binder ‘don’t bring it up’ when questioned on it in interviews.

Talking about the manufacturer’s pre-season, McLaren said: “One concern if I was KTM and I’m Acosta is looking at the last laps of his race simulation.

“The times increased, he’s into the 32’s and there’s been a few pictures that have emerged of the rear tyres of the KTM and I think they might have a tyre wear issue towards the end of the race.

“Which again is what they’ve struggled with in the past. Now that presumably wouldn’t be an issue in the Sprint, but potentially looking at the way that the lap times did rise in those last two or three laps.

“And it wasn’t just the last lap, it wasn’t just Acosta backed off, it’s the last couple laps. So he’s tried to keep going and it’s still going into the 32’s. So that’s something that I think they’re going to have to get on top of for the Grand Prix weekend, potentially.

“The chatter issue is still there. I know that the riders don’t… they don’t bring it up but when they’re asked about it, they have to admit that it is still there.”

Tech3 riders have also reported issues with the KTM bike

Issues have been present across the board at KTM in pre-season. Satellite team Tech3 also encountered problems on the RC16.

Vinales had a problem with braking compared to Acosta and Binder. Teammate Bastianini has been struggling the most, being considerably off the pace as he cannot find the right balance with his riding style.

Bastianini feels KTM are ‘missing’ too much speed after looking at the data from Sepang. The Italian has sought advise from his teammates with Bastianini saying he found something from Acosta’s set-up on the RC16 in Buriram.

Nicholas Goyon admitted Bastianini and Vinales cannot fight for ‘top positions’ in 2025. Acosta and Binder’s competitiveness may also be in doubt after pre-season.