Marco Bezzecchi
KTM’s financial problems have left owners Bajaj Auto searching for new investors, but the Indian company are now no longer looking for a sale.
KTM entered insolvency at the end of 2024, putting their MotoGP project and their very existence under threat. Bajaj stepped in and saved the company with a majority takeover, but they have since focused on cuts.
Predict the order of the KTM riders in the 2026 MotoGP standings
Bajaj wanted to cut KTM’s costs by 50%, including the motorsport division. Rumours suggested that the Indian outfit were considering leaving MotoGP due to the team’s lack of success on the track.
KTM claim they are committed to motorsport until 2027 at the latest, with work on their 850cc bike already underway. However, up until recently, the project relied on investment from other parties.
Bajaj take KTM sale ‘off the table’ as they want to see MotoGP under Liberty Media’s ownership
KTM CEO Gottfried Neumeister hoped to secure new investment by Christmas last year. Several parties have been interested in the past, including seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton.
Red Bull were also linked with buying KTM, with the Austrian drinks company currently being the team’s title sponsor. However, according to a report from Speedweek, any potential investment or sale is not being considered.
‘The topic of investors is currently off the table’ for KTM, as Bajaj can ‘easily manage’ the project on their own. Furthermore, they want to see MotoGP under the ownership of Liberty Media, as the sport’s revenue is predicted to skyrocket, as was the case with F1.
Guenther Steiner’s takeover of Tech3, KTM’s satellite team, is the first sign of outside investment into a MotoGP team, with key figures seeing a chance to make a profit from Liberty’s ownership. Bajaj are hoping to do the same with the factory team.
READ MORE: Everything to know about KTM from the MotoGP team’s riders to hierarchy
What will KTM’s MotoGP project look like in 2027?
In 2026, KTM’s project is looking much more positive. Pedro Acosta recorded his first win in the Sprint race in Thailand and he is taking the RC16 to regular podium finishes.
The team have taken a step forward in 2026, and work is already beginning for 2027 and the new regulations. However, there are still some doubts over the project heading into next year.
Reports suggest their star rider is set to join Ducati, although Pit Beirer is not giving up on Acosta staying at KTM in 2027. However, rumours are saying a deal is done for the Spaniard to join the Bologna Bullets, and that Maverick Vinales and Alex Marquez will join the Austrians next year.
Furthermore, more cuts could happen if KTM’s financial situation does not improve. Tech3 could leave KTM as their satellite team, with reports stating that they would be Ducati-bound if that were the case.
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