KTM confirms: “We will be in MotoGP at least until 2026”

Bologna, 15 January 2025 – KTM still in MotoGp for two years, then we'll see. The Austrians have confirmed their presence in the MotoGP at least until 2026, but the debt repayment and restructuring plan could include their exit starting in 2027. The financial crisis that has affected the parent company is not easy to solve, there are almost three billion in debt, and the world of motorsport, which takes away almost 100 million euros a year from the company, could be cut in the three-year period, with consequent withdrawal from MotoGP starting in 2027. Unless a sale of the brand is carried out, with several interested parties.  

KTM CEO: “We’ll be there at least until 2026”

There is concern in Moto GP for the future of KTM. For now, the four bikes on the grid should continue until 2026, but the development project is unknown, that is, the path of the prototype updates to keep up with their rivals. As is known, each manufacturer produces improvements to their respective bikes based on the data available, tenths that can be removed from the times to improve competitiveness during the year. KTM risks not being able to do so, limiting the chances of its top riders, starting with Pedro, to compete Acosta, who certainly did not hide his concern with an unbeatable Ducati and an ambitious Aprilia. In any case, the strategy of KTM It's clear: exploit motorsport to start selling motorcycles again. Here's the point of CEO Christopher Skipper: “We need racing as the main tool to sell our products – his words to the APA agency – We know the importance of motorsport as a marketing tool and we will be part of it in the future, both with new owners and with new investors. We will be in Moto GP at least until 2026”. In all this there is the solution to the crisis, which includes a debt restructuring plan, but in the meantime the shares have collapsed and Pierer Mobility continues to navigate in dire straits if no more funds arrive from investors or buyers. Moto GP takes away about 50 million euros a year out of the 100 that KTM spends on motorsport, figures that will be reviewed and that in any case will not see a substantial budget for updates in the top class. A possible sale of the brand is also to be verified KTM, with several Eastern companies ready to invest. According to Formulapassion there are three companies interested: the Indian Bajaj, the Chinese CFMOTO and the Hong Kong-based Fountainvest. In short, help will have to come from somewhere, however as of today there is no early withdrawal by KTM foreseen with respect to the contracts in place with Dorna, which in any case is closely following the situation with also a reopening to the entry of new manufacturers as long as they do not increase the number of bikes. If KTM were to exit in 2027 there could be a sensational return of Suzuki. Read also - Valentino Rossi tries again with BMW in the Wec