KTM between investors, Dorna and Tech3: many issues to resolve, Acosta waiting

KTM doesn’t seem intent on leaving MotoGP; new investors could soon arrive to support the project.

2024 was a very difficult year for KTM, which found itself facing a serious financial crisis and rethinking its future. What saved the company from possible bankruptcy was Bajaj Auto, previously a minority shareholder and now owner of the Mattighofen brand. In recent months, the CEO of the Indian company, Rajiv Bajaj, announced a future cost cut of at least 50%, and it’s natural to wonder what will happen to the racing department—particularly the MotoGP project.

Pit Beirer, KTM’s Motorsports Director, keeps repeating that the Mattighofen factory will be on the grid in 2027 and is working to be a competitive presence. Remember that this will be the year the new regulations come into force, and that at the end of 2026 the contracts of the various manufacturers with Dorna Sports expire. Even though Beirer appears calm, it’s normal to have some doubts, also because being in MotoGP involves very high costs, and Bajaj Auto will certainly be reflecting on that.

There has long been talk of possible investors arriving to support and strengthen the MotoGP project. Liberty Media’s acquisition of Dorna has attracted the interest of several parties who see great growth potential in the top class of motorcycle racing. After exponentially growing F1, Liberty Media wants to try the same with MotoGP; some believe in this mission’s success and want to invest.

Gottfried Neumeister, KTM’s CEO, spoke about it to Speedweek: "It’s no secret that there is enormous investor interest in joining the MotoGP project. A partner who can cover, for example, 30% of operating costs is very welcome. But I also want to make one thing clear: we will never relinquish control of the team."

Neumeister was clear: the KTM Factory Racing team will always be led by the parent company, while remaining open to partnerships that are useful both financially and strategically. We’ll see how it goes. The KTM CEO specified that requests have not been lacking over the past months and that an announcement could arrive before long: "The process has been prolonged by the high level of interest. However, we are taking the time necessary to secure the best possible deal. This is not about an investor simply providing capital. Money alone is not enough: the chemistry has to be right as well. We are talking about building a solid partnership and mutual trust. I have already had several personal discussions with potential investors. I expect we could reach a signing before Christmas."

All that remains is to wait, then. Remember that KTM also has Tech3 Racing as a satellite team, acquired in recent months by a consortium of investors led by Gunther Steiner. It remains to be seen whether the partnership will continue in 2027 or not. Future team principal Richard Coleman told Speedweek: "We have had many very constructive discussions with KTM. They have kept us very informed about the status of the 2027 program. The A plan from both sides is to continue working together beyond 2026. But it’s still early."

It should also be emphasized that, to date, no MotoGP manufacturer has signed a contract renewal with Dorna; the parties continue to talk to reach an agreement. We’ll see whether an announcement comes by the end of 2025 or early 2026. Next year will also see a frenetic rider market—there’s a lot on the table. Pedro Acosta, KTM’s star, will be among the most coveted. The Mattighofen factory says it wants to convince him to stay, but it must give him important technical assurances. The two-time world champion is monitoring the KTM situation and not only that: his goal is to fight to win.

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