Moto GP and KTM, Pernat: “90% of the time will be spent, we trust in Red Bull”

Bologna, 5 December 2024 – The future of KTM in the world championship. The Austrian company should compete next year with four bikes, the two official ones plus the two satellite ones, where Enea landed bastianini and Maverick Vinales, but the financial crisis it is involved in, a repayment plan and an estimated debt of almost 3 billion, cast shadows on the future in the sport. With its participation in the Dakar reduced, KTM is carrying out a plan to cut personnel and is in the process of filing for insolvency in which creditors are waiting to know if they will receive any back payments, a sign of a decidedly unstable financial condition. The uncertainties are reflected in the sporting side even if the debt is related to three companies not part of the motorsport department. In any case, Dorna is concerned that KTM will not be able to field its four bikes next year, a contract that runs until 2026, and with it also Carlo Feathered, which brought Enea to the Austrian house bastianini leaving Ducati.  

Pernat: “90% of the time we’ll be running”. Updates in doubt

Critical situation in Austria where the government is irritated by the unclear management that has led to KTM from a state of great health to a rather precarious one. Furthermore, doubts are beginning to emerge about the economic capacity of the Austrians to continue competing in the world championship, a big problem for Enea bastianini who left Ducati to sign with KTM. Carlo spoke about the situation in Mattighofen Feathered on Radio24: “For the moment we have received an email in which we were told that the controlled administration concerns three companies outside the racing department – ​​his words – This is today a first official position and we trust that Red Bull is still alongside KTM for the world championship”. In short, the salvation of the Austrians comes from the well-known brand of soft drinks, a historic partner of KTM in the world of motorsports. But there is a difference between racing and competing, because with these economic data it is possible that the Austrian company is not able to provide updates to its bikes, effectively limiting the possibility of obtaining great results. The concern of Feathered: “The situation is dramatic, but the technical director of bastianini is working on the bike to prepare it for the February tests. From my point of view, we are running at 90%, but the developments are a big question mark”. In short, we are sailing by sight. The employees of KTM they are waiting for their salaries and some are at risk of being fired due to the drop in production and the reduction in hours, in all this the government is keeping a high level of attention to understand how to save the brand, while the world of motorsport is questioning its solidity to face an expensive championship like the Moto GP. And if the updates don't arrive, how could KTM keep up with the other bikes? Pedro Acosta, the baby phenomenon, asks for a competitive bike and the new arrivals are wondering what will happen to the future. A tough nut to crack. Read also - Dall'Igna: "Marquez in Ducati is a thrill"