Neil Hodgson explains why he ‘can’t see a happy ending’ for KTM despite creditor vote, ‘my gut feeling…’

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KTM scored a victory, of sorts, ahead of the Thailand Grand Prix as creditors approved a restructuring plan. It cools the imminent threat to their MotoGP operation.

There was talk before Tuesday’s vote that BMW could look to buy KTM. Their proposal reportedly involved laying off the workforce and relocating from Austria to Germany.

But BMW’s KTM takeover chances have now faded. No such offers will be considered for the time being.

Privately, one KTM manager called the BMW story ‘fake news’. They insisted that they weren’t looking for an investor who would close the Mattighofen site.

The MotoGP team was already committed for the 2025 season, but there’s uncertainty over ’26. The major regulation changes a year after will demand long-term planning.

Neil Hodgson suspects KTM ‘need a miracle’ to save their MotoGP team

Pedro Acosta showed there was speed in KTM’s RC16 by setting the third-fastest time in Thailand Grand Prix practice. That secures his place in Q2 on Saturday.

Acosta was only two-tenths off the Marquez brothers, who set the pace on Ducati machinery. Maverick Vinales and Brad Binder were just outside the top 10, while Enea Bastianini was a disappointing 19th.

Speaking during TNT Sports’ coverage, Neil Hodgson said his ‘gut feeling’ was that KTM wouldn’t survive, or at least in their current form. Their debts have reached nine figures.

Despite the boost they received this week, Hodgson warned that ‘they need a miracle’. The last manufacturer to leave MotoGP was Suzuki, who departed at the end of 2022.

Hodgson said: “My gut feeling – I’ve only read everything that you guys have read – I can’t see a happy ending. They are so much in debt. It’s huge the amount of money. They need a miracle.”

Keith Huewen shares his big suspicion about Pedro Acosta’s KTM contract

Test rider Pol Espargaro says KTM find it ‘difficult to sustain’ the contracts of riders like Pedro Acosta. The youngster’s deal runs until the end of next year.

But Espargaro says KTM remain committed to competing at the highest level. That’s why they’ve assembled a star-studded line-up, with Vinales and Bastianini arriving at Tech3.

It’s feasible that there will need to be cutbacks in the racing operation. KTM have a roster of 40 riders across various series, and some of those may be vulnerable.

While he’s clearly the jewel in the crown, Acosta likely has an exit clause, according to Keith Huewen. If KTM’s resources and performances fall away, he may have the option to leave.