KTM’s future in MotoGP has been thrown into doubt as the manufacturer finds themselves in a financial crisis.
The Austrian brand joined the premier class in 2017. KTM Factory Racing team, before taking over the Tech3 team from Yamaha as a satellite outfit in 2019.
The manufacturer has since become well established in MotoGP, with the factory team winning seven races so far and rider Brad Binder setting the all-time speed record of 366.1 km/h in 2023.
KTM is also heavily involved in Moto2 and Moto3, with the latter winning five championships. But as we move towards 2025, the manufacturer needs financial support as their existence is threatened.
According to the report The competitionKTM is reporting debts of three billion euros (£2.5bn) and is in the process of self-administration under Austrian law. The only way to save the company from risk is by investing from other parties.
Team owner Pete Baier has confirmed that KTM is in talks with seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton.
Hamilton’s speech at KTM’s launch is great news for the company and a much-needed boost of confidence for their future. According to a report by The Race, ‘senior experts in the KTM MotoGP program’ say the organization is ‘not under immediate threat’.
In the year While they are certain to be on the grid in 2025, there is uncertainty over KTM’s program as to what it will look like in 2027, when the new regulations come into effect, which will ultimately mean more spending in R&D.
How will KTM’s financial crisis affect them in 2025?
In the year KTM finished second in the constructors’ standings in 2024, behind Ducati, with six podiums. Binder finished second in the season opener in Qatar, while Pedro Acosta was sixth in the standings with five podiums for the Satellite Tech3 team.
Both KTM teams boast an impressive rider line-up for 2025. Binder will take his seat on the factory team, while Acosta will replace Tech 3’s Jack Miller.
They will be joined by satellite team Aprilia and Ducati factory riders Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini. Vinales is the only Ducati rider to win a race in 2024, while Bastianini finished fourth with two wins and nine podiums.
KTM seem to be on track to deliver results with a strong pair of both teams, but their financial woes will weigh on them throughout the season.
People in the company While they are confident they will be on the grid in 2025, Hamilton are hoping a deal can be reached soon to save them from uncertainty.
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