Marco Bezzecchi
Despite receiving massive offers for investment recently, KTM officials are not looking to sell the team or bring in outside investment.
KTM reportedly received investment offers worth €100 million (£86 million) over the last year, amid financial struggles due to insolvency in 2024.
However, in the end, KTM’s owners, Bajaj, rejected a possible sale, managing to cut costs enough to keep hold of the MotoGP outfit.
KTM haven’t won a race since 2022. Should they bother staying in MotoGP long-term?
Things definitely weren’t easy for them, especially with Alex Marquez demanding a bigger contract to sign with them in 2027.
But in the end, KTM felt that they could run the team well enough with Bajaj’s financial backing and the Indian company’s handling of the hierarchy.
READ MORE: Dani Pedrosa’s KTM pay cut may explain why he’s refusing to make a wildcard appearance
KTM CEO hints £86 million investment collapsed over independence concerns
Speaking to Speedweek, KTM CEO Gottfried Neumeister discussed how the team and their owners, Bajaj, recently explored a possible sale.
While the discussions with outside investors went well, in the end, Neumeister said that Bajaj’s willingness to invest in the team while allowing them to operate with independence made the decision to not pursue a sale very easy.
“As you know, we considered this possibility very thoroughly. Together with an external partner who did a fantastic job, we developed a precise process.
“This was based on an economic evaluation of the motorsport structure. We were ourselves impressed when we were confronted with a sum in the hundreds of millions.”
“As a result, we had several very good discussions with potential investors who were in line with the process of a partial sale.
“I am very grateful that we were able to pursue this path and that this opportunity arose. Analysing the investor situation took a considerable amount of time.
“Now, our main shareholder has agreed with us to remain independent, despite the option of generating millions.”
READ MORE: Brad Binder could now be out of KTM as Pit Beirer confirms rider ‘priority’ after new Tech3 deal
Have Tech3 made the right decision by remaining with KTM for 2027?
KTM CEO says team cutting costs encouraged Bajaj to ensure future investment
Speaking further in the interview, Neumeister confirmed that Bajaj have recouped enough of their losses with KTM that they are willing to invest in the team going further.
“The basis for this is that we successfully turned things around during the restructuring and have the financial strength to afford factory racing. And not just afford it, but also be able to invest.
“Racing doesn’t work with the handbrake on. You have to be able to put money where your mouth is when it counts.
“It certainly requires cost discipline – but also a certain degree of generosity. All of this also shows that Bajaj stands not only behind KTM, but also behind the commitment to MotoGP.”
It’s clear that there is a renewed energy within KTM, at least on the financial end of things. Perhaps this is why KTM managed to sign a new deal with Tech3 despite Honda trying to poach them as a satellite team.
And with KTM managing to sign Fabio Di Giannantonio to pair with Marquez in 2027, their side could have a fresh start next year, one that could set them up on the path to success.
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