The people responsible for the motogp department have decided to put the brakes on the evolution of their prototypesat least during this winter and until the preseason tests that will take place at the beginning of February, in Sepang (Malaysia). This measure is another one of those in the shock plan that seeks to keep the orange project of motorcycle sports intact.
motorsport.com has learned that the leaders of the MotoGP district held a meeting in the official orange motorcycle workshop during the last race of the seasonin Montmeló, in which thay already informed everyone present of the very sensitive economic situation of the company.
At that same meeting, the team was reassured and the continuity of the project in the World Cup was taken into account.. In addition to emphasizing the cost containment policy that has already been implemented for some time, the delay in the development of the motorcycles that will be driven by Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder, in the official garage, and Maverick Viñales next year . was also discussed. and Enea Bastianini, in Tech 3 .
Pedro Acosta, KTM Red Bull Factory Racing
Photo: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
In fact, in the test after that grand prix, on Tuesday, November 19 and also in Montmeló, the new components that debuted on the RC16 were limited to a new fairing and a pair of screens. Neither Dani Pedrosa,who renewed his role as a tester a few weeks ago,nor Pol Espargaró,took part in that training day..
Motorsport.com understands that suspicion is being planned at the offices of dorna,the promoter of the event. about.More than reasonable uncertainty if we take into account the hole in which the group is stuck. Stefan Pierer.
In recent months, KTM has promoted a deep restructuring, to express several branches derived from the parent company: KTM AG, KTM Components GmbH and KTM F&E. The competition area came under the umbrella of KTM Racing GmbH.
Enea Bastianini, Red Bull KTM Tech3, listens carefully to the brand’s test and development rider, Dani Pedrosa
Photo: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Along with the aforementioned freeze in the evolution of the MotoGP machines, KTM is expected to present a strategic plan in the coming days that seeks to isolate the sports area.. Within the company itself, it is indeed considered essential that the competitive hand is still active, as, or else, the blow at the level of the image would be much greater than the current one, as, more likely, it would hurt sales more.
A huge financial crisis
It was
During the second half of 2024 that the first rumors about the financial health of KTM began, especially as an inevitable result of excessive production and a critically important decrease in sales, as well as a failed experiment with the electric motorcycle project. Already in the second half of the year, information like this began to spread throughout the MotoGP paddock. “I was in the factory and they guaranteed me that the sports program will have full support, that we will be calm,” Acosta said. in September, after the Misano test.
From then on, and for the next two months, the bad news came and the size of the hole was ‘in crescendo’. The hardest blow so far happened at the beginning of last week, when the bankruptcy process started publicly, with the aforementioned debts of almost 3,000 million euros.
In the documents delivered last Friday to formalize the bankruptcy proceedings, KTM confirmed the figure of 650 million euros to meet medium-term payments, as well as stock of 130,000 unsold motorcycles. Along with the development of the 2025 bike,any development of the 2027 prototype has been put on hold,at least temporarily,when the regulations change and a new 850cc bike is introduced,among many other changes.
Maverick Viñales, Red Bull KTM Tech3
photo: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
In this article
Oriol Puigdemont
MotoGP
Maverick Vinales
Anyone Bastianini
Brad binder
Pedro Acosta
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Game
Tech3 gasgas Factory Racing
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What are the potential risks and benefits of KTM’s decision to halt motorcycle prototype development in MotoGP?
Interview between Time.news Editor and MotoGP Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving deep into the recent developments in MotoGP, particularly the strategic decisions made by the KTM team. I’m joined by renowned MotoGP expert, Dr. Elena Vasquez. Thank you for being hear, Dr.Vasquez!
Dr. Elena Vasquez: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting, albeit challenging time in MotoGP.
Editor: Let’s get right into it. KTM has decided to halt the evolution of their motorcycle prototypes for the winter and until the preseason tests in February. This decision is part of a larger strategy to maintain the integrity of the project amidst economic challenges. What do you make of this bold move?
Dr. Vasquez: It’s certainly a notable decision. The leaders of KTM are clearly facing a tough economic situation and are opting for cost containment. By pausing development, they are possibly looking to redirect their resources more efficiently, ensuring that when they eventually do proceed, it’s with the most promising prototypes.
Editor: You mentioned a tough economic situation.During a recent meeting at Montmeló, the team was reassured about the continuity of their project in the World Cup. How important is this interaction from leadership during challenging times?
Dr.Vasquez: Communication is crucial. In motorsport,especially in teams like KTM that are under pressure,clear messaging from leadership helps maintain morale and focus. reassurance can prevent unrest and keep the team unified in their goals. This meeting was essential not just to discuss financial matters, but to boost confidence among team members like Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder.
Editor: I noticed you mentioned Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder specifically. With the decision to delay development, what impact do you foresee on their performance in the upcoming season?
Dr. Vasquez: It’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, having a consistent prototype might allow riders like Acosta and Binder to develop their skills more thoroughly with fewer changes to adapt to. On the other hand, if competitors continue to innovate while KTM holds back, they could find themselves on the back foot when the racing season starts again. Acosta, who is new to the elite class, could particularly feel the pinch if they aren’t given the best tools to compete.
Editor: The article also mentions that only limited components were tested recently. what does that suggest about KTM’s approach moving forward?
Dr. Vasquez: Essentially,it reflects a strategic pause in their innovation process. by introducing minor updates like a new fairing and screens, they’re still gathering data without committing to full-scale development. This allows them to stay aware of what works while managing their resources—an bright approach given their financial constraints.
Editor: Some speculation suggests that there may be uncertainty within the Dorna offices regarding this direction. Do you think the MotoGP ecosystem reacts differently during such economic uncertainties?
Dr. Vasquez: Absolutely. When economic turmoil strikes, it resonates throughout the entire MotoGP ecosystem. Teams, sponsors, and even fans start to question stability and longevity. This could affect sponsorship deals and partnerships. Dorna, being the promoter, is likely monitoring this situation closely to ensure that it doesn’t impact the overall health of the championship. Stabilizing one team often means stabilizing the league as a whole.
editor: With all this taken into account, do you think KTM’s strategy will pay off in the long run?
Dr. Vasquez: It’s hard to say definitively. If they effectively manage their resources and come back stronger with an innovative approach in the upcoming seasons, they might just pull ahead. However, the critical factor will be the execution of this strategy and how well they navigate through the competition during this pausing phase.
Editor: Thank you for yoru insights, Dr. Vasquez. It’s clear that there are many moving parts in the MotoGP landscape, especially for KTM. we’ll be sure to follow these developments closely as we head into the new season. Thank you to our audience for tuning in!
Dr. Vasquez: Thank you! It’s always great to discuss the intricacies of MotoGP. Looking forward to what’s ahead!