Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1532121
KTM to Stay in MotoGP? H ere to stay? KTM intends to be a part of grand prix racing for many years to come despite months of financial uncertainty, according to KTM Motorsport Di - rector Pit Beirer. Upon presenting his MotoGP lineup for 2025, the German sounded not only con- fident on the factory's chances of survival amid an exhaustive self-administration process, but also on its continued presence in the Grand Prix paddock. "It's been a rough winter," Beir - er conceded, referencing KTM's bankruptcy proceedings, which started in November of 2024. While KTM riders and team managers were forbidden to talk about the troubled Austrian fac - tory's financial situation, Beirer spoke openly of the situation and the company's long-term future. Principal among the talking points was the date February 25. That's when Austrian creditors will be given the choice of accept - ing or rejecting the proposals for the future plans that KTM pres- ents from the proceedings. While a great deal rests on that date, Beirer sounded more than confi- dent that they can press ahead. "I still believe February 25 will go well for us," Beirer said. "It was a difficult period for the whole company. I can guarantee we have a super plan going forward." And does racing factor into those plans? "Motorsport is a major part of our company. It's not just our passion—it's part of our business model. [It's] not a question of one year of racing or two years … we want to have KTM here forever and this includes the race department," said Beirer. It's been a nervy winter for all involved as KTM manage- ment has worked on slashing budgets to streamline its entire operation. In racing terms, that included reducing the number of its factory-backed riders, as well as the representation of GasGas and Husqvarna, two KTM-owned brands, which were present in the three GP categories. "You won't see two hospitali - ties in the paddock; there'll be just one," Beirer said of some of the cost-cutting measures implemented. "The main thing happened already last summer. We reduced the global number of factory riders. We had 12, and behind each one there were two or three staff that was reduced. We lost entire teams around the globe. We started to focus more on orange to prove we don't need to do this with three brands. We could save a lot of money in some parts but we did not stop developing our motorcycle." With regards to bike develop- ment, Beirer feels the factory was fortunate in that it had al- ready developed its 2025 engine before the crisis really took hold in November. "We've been a bit lucky in the whole situation. If you want to have bikes ready to race in Sepang, you cannot start Sardarov Regains Control of MV Agusta M V Agusta has officially an- nounced its separation from KTM, with the Italian motorcycle manufacturer confirming that Art of Mobility S.A., controlled by the Sardarov family, will regain full ownership of the MV Agusta Group. This development follows reports from December 2024 indicating WIND IN THE P24 MV Agusta is now back in Russian hands, with Timur Sardarov's Art of Mobility company taking back control from KTM.