KTM CEO issues deadline for new investment to buy into their MotoGP team amid future doubts

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KTM’s future in MotoGP is in serious doubt, despite Bajaj Auto completing their takeover and saving them from insolvency.

The Austrian brand’s financial crisis over the winter was well-documented, with the manufacturer entering self-administration at the end of 2024.

Indian outfit Bajaj Auto completed a takeover of KTM in 2025, which looked to stabilise the situation. However, there are concerns over their plans for the company, most notably the motorsport division.

Bajaj plans to cut KTM’s costs by 50%, including their racing programmes, which has caused major doubts about their MotoGP project. The new owners are said to be unsatisfied with the team’s results – they have not won a race since 2022.

KTM’s 2025 results – finishing third in the standings with six podiums throughout the season – have led to speculation that Bajaj are not committed to investing in the project. Therefore, the team are searching for potential buyers.

KTM CEO Gottfried Neumeister hopes to bring in new investment by Christmas

Bajaj want £88m for KTM’s MotoGP team as they try to attract new investment. Several parties have already been in discussions with the manufacturer, with Red Bull buying KTM being an option that cannot be ruled out.

KTM CEO Gottfried Neumeister spoke to Speedweek about the situation, and he hopes that a new investor can be brought on board before Christmas.

“It’s no secret that there’s enormous interest from investors in getting involved in the MotoGP project,” he said. “A partner who can cover, for example, 30 percent of the running costs is very welcome. But I also want to make it perfectly clear: We will never relinquish control of the team.

“The process has been lengthened by the high level of interest; at times, we were receiving new inquiries almost daily. However, we are deliberately taking our time and want to secure the best possible deal.

“It’s important to note that this isn’t primarily about an investor simply providing capital. Money alone isn’t enough – the chemistry has to be right, too. We’re talking about building a solid partnership and mutual trust. I’ve already had several personal discussions with potential investors.

“I expect we could reach a signing before Christmas. The main thing was to understand the interest and to be able to start with a solid backup plan for 2026.”

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

Tech3’s ‘Plan A’ is to stay with KTM beyond 2026

Of course, Bajaj’s plan for KTM also impacts their satellite team Tech3. The French outfit will be under new ownership in 2026, after Guenther Steiner bought the team from Herve Poncharal.

Rumours suggest that KTM could sell Tech3 and run with just the factory team as part of their cuts. The team’s contract with the Austrian outfit expires in 2026, but their ‘Plan A’ is to stay on board.

New team principal Richard Coleman told Speedweek: “They’ve kept us very well informed about the status of the 2027 program. We’re also getting a lot of feedback from the owners. Perhaps some of it has been taken a bit out of context, because not everything is actually related to MotoGP.

“They’ve kept us very well informed. I met Gottfried in Barcelona, ​​and Guenther went to Austria. We’re making a real effort. Plan A on both sides is to continue working together beyond 2026. But it’s still very early days.”