KTM just invited a potential new owner to see their MotoGP factory after Dorna talks

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KTM Factory Racing might soon be on the market, as Bajaj Group looks at where it can make savings after the brand’s majority shareholders confirmed plans for sizable cuts.

Bajaj Group saved KTM amid the Austrian brand’s financial problems after it invested £674m in it this May. But it is still not certain that everyone at KTM is safe after Bajaj Auto CEO Rajiv Bajaj recently noted that widespread cuts are on the cards in its efforts to make vast savings.

Bajaj is looking at cutting KTM’s costs by as much as 50%, with the racing department one of the areas that are the most at risk. Bajaj is looking at making savings on R&D, marketing and leadership-level roles in several areas, including impacting the KTM motorsport division.

The Indian automotive giant’s proposed cuts have also put KTM’s future on the MotoGP grid under a spotlight. It has been said that Red Bull buying KTM’s MotoGP team cannot be ruled out after Bajaj touted vast cuts. Yet rumours are also now rife linking another possible buyer.

CFMoto visited KTM’s MotoGP factory after meeting with Dorna

Suzi Perry noted during the first practice session at the 2025 season-closing Valencia Grand Prix that CFMoto are interested in increasing their current 2% stake in PIERER Mobility – the parent company of KTM. CFMoto are also keen to increase the brand’s presence in MotoGP.

READ MORE: Everything to know about KTM from the MotoGP team’s riders to hierarchy

CFMoto already run teams in Moto2 and Moto3 in partnership with Aspar, and also won the Moto3 title with David Alonso in 2024. A future in MotoGP could now also be on the way, as Sylvain Guintoli has heard that KTM recently invited CFMoto to their factory in Munderfing.

He said on TNT Sports 2 (14/11, 10:23): “Obviously, a huge market in China, and CFMoto to get involved, that would be brilliant, as well.

“There’s loads of rumours at the moment going around that Dorna has been to China to see the track, but also to see CFMoto. There was a delegation going during the flyways.

“And there’s other rumours that a CFMoto delegation actually went to Austria to look at the racing department of KTM. These two companies are in business already.”

CFMoto buying KTM could help MotoGP revive the Chinese Grand Prix after 17 years

MotoGP promoter Dorna is said to be studying plans to potentially revive the Chinese Grand Prix, with reports now suggesting that the event could even return as soon as 2027. MotoGP previously raced in China from 2005 to 2008 with races at the Shanghai International Circuit.

CFMoto potentially joining the MotoGP grid by buying KTM might help the series to grow its presence in China and further tap into the market ahead of, or alongside, reviving a round in Shanghai. Michael Laverty claims CFMoto will become a major player in motorsport, as well.

Laverty added: “There’s a strong collaboration between the two factories. CFMoto, they’re obviously doing quite well financially.

“But also, you can see the push with the new superbike they launched at EICMA recently. That’s a serious bit of engineering. They are a coming force in the motorsport world.”