Herve Poncharal, the head of KTM’s satellite Tech3 team, has reassured fans and stakeholders that the company’s MotoGP program will proceed as planned for the 2025 season, despite the ongoing financial difficulties facing Pierer Mobility Group.
In a recent statement to GPOne.com, Poncharal confirmed that everything remains on track for the upcoming MotoGP season. According to Poncharal, a meeting held during the last Grand Prix in Barcelona with key figures from KTM and Dorna Sports solidified plans for 2025, the goal was to ensure that the Racing Department would remain unaffected by the group’s financial restructuring.
“KTM Racing GmbH, which handles the MotoGP program, will remain unaffected by the financial challenges within Pierer Mobility Group,” Poncharal said. “The team is ongoing with winter preparations, and they have confirmed bike assembly days for the end of the month. We are proceeding as usual.”
Key Points:
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| KTM’s MotoGP Status | KTM’s MotoGP program will continue as planned for the 2025 season despite financial restructuring in the Pierer Mobility Group. |
| Team Transition | KTM’s satellite team, Tech3, will switch from GASGAS to Red Bull KTM branding in 2025. |
| Financial Situation | Pierer Mobility Group, which owns KTM, is undergoing judicial restructuring with debts of 1.8 billion euros, but KTM Racing GmbH remains outside the restructuring. |
| Cost Management | The KTM Racing Department is continuing operations with cost management in place to maintain operations without affecting on-track performance. |
| Red Bull’s Potential Role | Red Bull may potentially step in to help alleviate financial concerns and support KTM Racing GmbH, given their close ties and shared technological resources. |
| Future Outlook | The restructuring process could lead to potential losses for the group, with a vote scheduled for February 25 to decide on the restructuring plan. |
| MotoGP Budget | KTM’s grand prix activities, including MotoGP, are estimated to cost around 40 million euros annually, with 10-15 million euros coming from Red Bull sponsorship. |
Poncharal also mentioned that a private MotoGP test in Jerez will go ahead as planned, with the 2025 season remaining within the agreed budget. He expressed confidence that the same level of support for the MotoGP project would continue, despite the financial challenges.
Restructuring Process and Impact on KTM:
The restructuring process of Pierer Mobility Group involves significant financial adjustments, including potential write-downs and staff reductions. However, KTM Racing GmbH, which handles the MotoGP program, is not directly part of the restructuring but will still be affected by the overall situation.
Key Concerns:
- Some members of the paddock have raised concerns about the ability of KTM’s creditors to continue supporting the high costs of motorsport activities, especially if losses and staff redundancies continue.
- KTM has committed to minimizing the impact on the riders, focusing on cost-saving measures that do not affect performance on the track. KTM Motorsport director Pit Beirer assured that the company would prioritize the “must-have” aspects of its MotoGP program while cutting non-essential costs.
Possible Solution: Red Bull’s Involvement
One potential solution to alleviate financial pressure on KTM Racing GmbH could be external investment, with Red Bull being the ideal candidate due to its existing relationship with KTM. Red Bull Advanced Technologies is already developing the RC16’s aerodynamics, and Red Bull Powertrains could support the engine development.
However, this remains speculative for now, as Red Bull Racing has not yet commented on the matter.
Next Steps
- The first creditors’ meeting to discuss the restructuring plans for Pierer Mobility Group is scheduled for December 20, with a final vote on the restructuring plan expected on February 25.
Despite the financial uncertainties, Poncharal’s comments suggest that KTM’s MotoGP program will continue as planned for the time being, with all key activities and preparations moving forward.
