Aki Ajo to Helm Red Bull KTM MotoGP Team in 2025: Transition from Guidotti Confirmed

Aki Ajo has been appointed as the new team manager for Red Bull KTM MotoGP, succeeding Francesco Guidotti in the role.

KTM has announced that Aki Ajo will be promoted from managing his factory-supported Ajo Moto2 and Moto3 teams to becoming the team manager for KTM's MotoGP squad starting in 2025.

Ajo is taking over the position previously held by Francesco Guidotti, who started with KTM after moving from Pramac Ducati in 2022. Speculation about Guidotti leaving, which began circulating around the time of the Misano event, was officially confirmed on Sunday night in Mandalika.

KTM motorsport director Pit Beirer stated that due to their unique bond and strong cooperation with Aki, they believed this was the most suitable choice to advance the MotoGP project.

"As I've mentioned previously, he had faith in us during our early days in this paddock, establishing an unparalleled level of trust and friendship. The accomplishments of his team stand as a testament to their capabilities. He has secured championships with both riders who will be in the pitbox for 2025, yet that expertise is only a fraction of the skills he brings to the table."

"We are confident in the strong background we possess, and naturally, Aki's familiarity with our company and racing methods is a significant advantage. I am extremely happy and honored that we are embarking on this challenge collectively, continuing a long-standing and successful journey filled with numerous remarkable stories."

Ajo Motorsport entered the grand prix scene in the 125cc category in 2001. The team secured its first victory in 2003 and claimed its initial world championship in 2008, thanks to Mike De Meglio riding a Derbi. Marc Marquez then delivered Ajo's second championship title in 2010.

In 2012, Ajo started collaborating with KTM for the Moto3 series and claimed the four-stroke title in their debut year with Sandro Cortese. Since then, 'Red Bull KTM Ajo' has secured two more championships, with Brad Binder in 2016 and Pedro Acosta in 2021.

In 2015, Ajo expanded into the Moto2 division and immediately secured consecutive championships, thanks to Johann Zarco riding a Kalex frame.

Following the brief Moto2 chassis venture with KTM between 2017 and 2019, Ajo switched back to Kalex and secured the Moto2 championship for the past three years with riders Remy Gardner, Augusto Fernandez, and Pedro Acosta.

Aki Ajo expressed his gratitude, stating that it is a privilege to be presented with this exciting new position and the chance to collaborate with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing in MotoGP.

"Currently, MotoGP is performing exceptionally well, so it's crucial for us to keep improving in various aspects and leverage our strengths to further enhance the KTM package."

"We must continue to strive forward, but I believe this project already has numerous strong elements to reach the highest level; we need to handle them optimally. Many thanks to Stefan, Hubert, Pit, Jens, and everyone involved in the KTM organization."

Next season, Ajo will reunite with his previous Moto3 and Moto2 riders, Binder and Acosta, at KTM.

The Finn also manages Jack Miller personally. Miller is set to move from KTM to Pramac Yamaha next season, having been replaced by Acosta and not securing a position at Tech3.

A KTM statement announcing Ajo's new position mentioned that the Red Bull KTM Ajo teams in Moto3 and Moto2 will continue to concentrate on nurturing top talents within the KTM GP Academy.

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