Marco Bezzecchi
KTM’s future in MotoGP is now secure for at least the 2026 season, after the brand’s new CEO, Gottfried Neumeister, stabilised a project that financial issues jeopardised.
Questions have persisted since it emerged back in November that KTM had entered a period of self-administration amid debts estimated to be in the region of €3bn (£2.6bn). The size of the problems at the Austrian brand saw Neumeister replace Stefan Pierer as CEO in January.
Indian company Bajaj Auto investing in KTM in May further secured the brand’s future, with the first Bajaj stickers appearing on the Austrian squad’s MotoGP bikes for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Now, KTM are clear that they will still have four bikes on the grid in 2026.
KTM motorsport director Pit Beirer confirmed at the Czech Grand Prix at Brno that there will be no change to their plans. Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder will stay in the factory KTM team, while works-contracted Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales will continue to race for Tech3.
Herve Poncharal loved that KTM’s new CEO Gottfried Neumeister acted like a ‘true MotoGP fan’
Tech3 team owner Herve Poncharal was thrilled to hear Beirer publicly confirm at Brno that KTM will continue to compete with two teams and four works-contracted riders in the 2026 MotoGP season. Now, Poncharal hopes to hear more about KTM’s plans beyond next term.
READ MORE: Everything to know about KTM from the MotoGP team’s riders to hierarchy
Beirer and Neumeister emphasising KTM’s commitment at Brno energised Poncharal and his Tech3 team. Poncharal also liked that Neumeister behaved like a ‘true fan’, rather than like a ‘distinguished CEO’, at the Czech GP, as KTM’s new boss visited his first-ever MotoGP race.
“It was gratifying to see how excited and enthusiastic Mr Neumeister was at the Brno GP,” Poncharal told GPOne. “He didn’t behave like a distinguished CEO, but rather like a true MotoGP fan. It was good to see and observe this enthusiasm.
“Plus, we heard positive statements from Gottfried Neumeister and Pit Beirer. They assured us that KTM will also compete with two MotoGP teams and the four riders in 2026. This public announcement made everyone involved happy.”
Poncharal added: “The next step is to receive information from KTM about their plans for 2027 to 2031. We’ve heard that the new 850cc engine has been completed and will soon be running on the test bench for the first time.”
KTM are still yet to confirm the brand’s presence for the 2027 MotoGP rules cycle
Beirer has confirmed that KTM are preparing for the 2027 MotoGP rules, with their ambition being to stay on the grid with four bikes across two teams. But KTM have so far not officially announced their ongoing presence in the paddock beyond 2026 and the current rules cycle.
Reports also continue to suggest it is dangerous to assume that KTM will stay in MotoGP for the 2027 rules, when the premier class will shift from 1,000cc engines to 850cc units. There will also be a reduction in aerodynamics, including making all rear aero a homologated part.
READ MORE: Everything to know about KTM Tech3 including the MotoGP team’s riders
KTM have often been among the most active teams when it comes to designing new aero in recent years. The way that KTM develop the RC16 is often impressive, as well, and helped to see Acosta and Bastianini register their first podiums of the 2025 campaign at the Czech GP.
Neumeister chose the ideal race to attend his first MotoGP event at Brno, as Acosta finished the Czech GP in P3 after also finishing the Sprint Race in P2 in front of Bastianini in P3. Marc Marquez beat Acosta to win the Sprint at Brno by 0.798s after Ducati’s tyre pressure fiasco.
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