KTM announces Moto2 exit, MotoGP extension
KTM has announced it will retain a factory MotoGP programme at least until the end of 2026, but will pull out of the intermediate Moto2 class as early as next year.
The Austrian manufacturer had joined MotoGP full-time on an initial five-year deal in 2017, and has now reaffirmed its commitment for another five years past that, after KTM CEO Stefan Pierer and MotoGP promoter Dorna’s chief Carmelo Ezpeleta signed a renewed deal at the Red Bull Ring.
KTM currently fields four entries in MotoGP – two with its works team and two with satellite outfit Tech 3 – and scored a maiden premier-class podium last year with Pol Espargaro at Valencia.
“We made a proactive decision here at our home grand prix to renew our stay in MotoGP and commit to another five years of competition.
“This is part of a wider strategic view and we now have seven years to rise towards the top of the MotoGP class; the same period of time we needed to conquer the Dakar Rally.”
However, alongside the announcement of a MotoGP extension, the manufacturer confirmed it will exit Moto2 as a chassis manufacturer next year.
KTM has had a difficult Moto2 campaign so far this year following a switch to the new Triumph engine package, although in-season development has allowed its MotoGP-bound rider Brad Binder to score at pair of podiums at Assen and the Sachsenring.
The Austrian firm had previously confirmed 2018 Moto3 champion Jorge Martin alongside Iker Lecuona in its Ajo Motorsport-run Moto2 factory team for next year, and insists it will “keep the close relationship with Aki Ajo’s team as the crucial stepping-stone for Red Bull KTM in MotoGP”.
Alongside its factory team, KTM currently supplies bikes for Tech 3’s Moto2 operation, as well as the Angel Nieto outfit, the American Racing Team and the single-entry Kiefer Racing.
KTM says it will ramp up its involvement in the lightweight Moto3 class, and that sister brand Husqvarna will aim to enter the category in 2020 with its own bike.
“We want to boost Moto3: it is the foundation and the base of road racing for us,” Pierer said. “It is where we began and where we are one of the leading brands.
“We see a very good opportunity here by bringing back Husqvarna with force; there will be a new bike and a special direction with this project. All of this movement means we will pool our resources and energy and as a consequence we will step out of Moto2.”
Deniz Oncu, KTM Ajo
Photo by: Gold and Goose / LAT Images
Previous article
Red Bull Ring MotoGP: Morbidelli leads Rossi in wet warm-up
Next article
Red Bull Ring MotoGP - the race as it happened
About this article
| Series | MotoGP , Moto2 , Moto3 |
| Teams | Red Bull KTM Factory Racing , Ajo Motorsport |
| Author | Valentin Khorounzhiy |
Repsol Honda Team - Pol Espargaró Q&A
Repsol Honda Team - Marc Marquez Q&A
Why Alex Marquez doesn't care about 'shutting up' MotoGP critics
Alex Marquez's form was one of MotoGP 2020's biggest surprises and, by firmly stepping out of his six-time world champion brother Marc's shadow, he proved a few people wrong. Not that he cares about this, as he tells Lewis Duncan
How Yamaha's new MotoGP era can unchain Vinales
After the electrifying start to his Yamaha MotoGP career in 2017, Maverick Vinales has struggled for consistency. Many anticipate that the arrival of Fabio Quartararo could spell disaster, but the departure of Valentino Rossi could be just the impetus he needs.
Does KTM really need 'super engine' for MotoGP title challenge?
Fears from rival MotoGP manufacturers that KTM would build a 'super engine' for 2021 have ultimately come to nothing with the revealation that the RC16 hasn't been radically changed over the winter. But does it really need that to win the title?
How Ducati's latest Aussie union can return it to MotoGP glory
Australians on Ducatis is an iconic partnership, the marque's last one yielding its sole MotoGP crown to date. But its latest Aussie union with the often underestimated Jack Miller can end this drought.
The "balls out" battle between MotoGP's true greats
Senna vs Prost is regularly cited as motorsport's greatest rivalry. But it can easily be argued Rainey vs Schwantz can stake that claim. That rivalry was in full swing during the 1991 500cc season, remembered fondly by both stars 30 years on...
The "warrior" MotoGP rookie KTM was right to back
The 2020 MotoGP campaign featured a standout pair of rookies, but one flew under the radar as he adjusted to a shock step-up armed with very little racing experience. However as his veteran team boss explains, the faith shown in him was not misplaced
Why Suzuki's Brivio replacement must come from within
With its charismatic leader Davide Brivio leaving for Formula 1, the Suzuki MotoGP squad he turned into a world championship-winning force in 2020 has a major recruitment headache that it needs to resolve carefully.
Why Alpine's latest signing could be its best hope of F1 glory
The return of Fernando Alonso to the renamed Alpine team is a sure sign of the team's ambition. But its latest appointment from MotoGP could be an even bigger coup as it seeks to end a barren run stretching back to Alonso's 2006 world title
