KTM Halts MotoGP Development Amidst Financial Crisis – “2025 Bike is Ready”
KTM pauses MotoGP development as it battles a €3 billion financial crisis but reassures fans that the 2025 bike is ready to race.
The future of KTM’s MotoGP project is not looking all that bright following recent revelations about the Austrian manufacturer’s massive financial troubles. Alberto Valera, Pedro Acosta manager, explains that KTM’s woes came as a major surprise.
“Nobody warned us of this possibility when we signed the contract in May. We were told that KTM was a giant with huge financial muscle – it was a complete surprise for us,” he stated.
The manager revealed that when the deal was struck earlier this year, KTM presented itself as a company in a strong position to challenge Ducati’s dominance in MotoGP.
“In May, we signed a contract with a winning project, with a company that was generating tens of millions of profit, and with a clear message that they were in a strong position to fight against Ducati.”
“However, today, this is not the case. Suddenly, in six months, everything has changed, and we wonder what has happened. It is something that worries us, and to deny the obvious would be absurd.”
Acosta’s camp is now grappling with a new reality that is far removed from the optimistic picture initially painted by KTM. “I think we have to recognise it and be honest, and obviously, both Pedro and I, his family and his entourage, are concerned about the current situation. I think we have to do an exercise that is difficult to do, but that we have to do, which is to trust what we are told.”
However, that trust comes with caution. “I say it’s difficult to do because obviously, the KTM company, at the time, told us that they were a giant and that they were in a position to take on Ducati, and that’s not the case. Now, everything they tell us we quarantine. But we have to do that difficult exercise of believing, trusting, and not anticipating events.”
Valera dismissed the idea of prematurely seeking an exit from the KTM contract, emphasizing that as things stand, there has been no breach of contract and everything should be “business as usual” for 2025.
“Thinking now about breaking a contract for 2025 is very difficult. I don’t think we have to anticipate events. You can break a contract when there’s a breach by the other party. At the moment, KTM has not made any breach of contract. I would say that for 2025, for the moment, it’s business as usual unless the situation worsens and we hear from KTM. But the message is that they are still in the world championship.”
Nevertheless, Valera hinted at contingency plans, should KTM’s position deteriorate further. According to him, other MotoGP manufacturers would be quick to step in if necessary. “I can tell you that I talk to many factories constantly because we have a good relationship and it is a daily communication that we have.”
“They have all contacted me, asking me how Pedro is doing, wishing me that this situation does not affect him; they give us their support and wish us well. And I know that all the factories, the moment we are in a position where we have to look for an alternative, will be open to help Acosta. Pedro is a diamond, he is 20 years old, he has already shown a lot, and any factory would love to have his services.”
