KTM pledges to stay in MotoGP through 2025 despite considering leaving during restructuring

KTM's participation in MotoGP faces uncertainty due to financial difficulties.

During a creditors' meeting held on Friday, it was revealed that KTM's MotoGP initiative might be discontinued as part of cost-cutting measures amid the company's insolvency proceedings.

On Friday morning, news surfaced that KTM would be permitted to maintain its operations as usual after an initial creditors' meeting at the Regional Court in Austria.

Investors have shown interest in a €700 million financial package aimed at assisting KTM, which is seeking to reorganize under self-administration while dealing with a debt burden of at least €1.8 billion.

Predictions for staff layoffs have been lowered from 500 to 300 employees, and salaries for November and December are expected to be disbursed by the end of January, assuming everything proceeds as planned.

However, the early reports did not specify the status of KTM's MotoGP project during the current crisis.

On Friday afternoon, the company issued an ambiguous announcement stating that it would continue its momentum into 2025, but it did not refer to its grand prix projects.

The company's financial troubles have begun affecting Moto2 and Moto3, leading to the removal of the GASGAS and Husqvarna brands from the 2025 lineup. Despite this, several key figures have previously assured that the MotoGP initiative will proceed as intended.

According to a statement from the creditor protection group Alpenlandischer Kreditorenverband (AKV), the planned reorganization efforts include exiting from MotoGP and Moto2/Moto3 as a cost-cutting measure.

AKV has not provided a specific timeframe for this.

KTM has pledged to stay in MotoGP through 2025. Crash.net contacted KTM for an official statement, and the company replied:

KTM has reached a significant moment today with the official announcement of our restructuring process. This achievement ensures our future strategy, and we are pleased to announce that motorsport continues to be a key component of this plan.

KTM remains steadfast in its dedication to motorsports. We reaffirm our pledge for 2025: we will persist in competing in MotoGP!

We feel revitalized by the successful result today and appreciate your backing.

Next year, KTM plans to have two teams competing in MotoGP. The main team will feature Brad Binder and Pedro Acosta as the lead riders. The second team, previously known as GASGAS for the last two years, will now compete under the KTM name as Tech3, with Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini as its riders.

KTM provides a total of 16 motorcycles for the Moto3 racing lineup.

Earlier this week, Albert Valera, who manages Acosta, informed motorsport.com that KTM had assured them the racing program would remain unchanged.

According to reports, Valera mentioned that he and Pedro were able to visit Austria to personally observe the actual status of the KTM project in MotoGP.

"Even though the company is facing a challenging situation, the overall outlook remains optimistic."

"KTM has consistently emphasized that racing is central to their identity, and their primary focus remains on securing the championship."

Pedro is dedicated to the project and, following the meeting, he feels more at ease and self-assured.

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KTM remains determined despite economic challenges

KTM provides a statement following the Regional Court's decision on Friday

KTM has announced that it will maintain its momentum through 2025 despite facing financial difficulties. This statement comes after a ruling by the Regional Court on Friday, which confirmed that the company can carry on operating as it currently does.

According to a report by ORF on Friday, the Austrian company, which entered self-administration last month to avoid bankruptcy, has accumulated debts amounting to at least €1.8 billion.

Numerous employees have been dismissed, and an additional 300 job cuts are anticipated, although this number is less than the 500 initially projected by KTM.

The manufacturing process is on pause until late February, and employees will not receive their November and December wages until at least the end of January.

During a hearing at the Regional Court on Friday, KTM received permission to maintain its current operations. Meanwhile, three different parties have shown interest in investing as much as €700 million as the company advances with its restructuring efforts.

A meeting for creditors is scheduled for January 24, and a vote on the restructuring plan is set for late February.

Not much official information has been released about KTM's MotoGP plans for 2025, but top executives from the company have previously indicated that the project will proceed as scheduled.

Subsequently, the media began circulating reports about a halt in development for the 2025 RC16.

KTM has issued a statement regarding the ongoing situation, indicating its dedication to its racing activities in 2025, although it stops short of specifically referencing MotoGP.

The complete announcement is as follows:

The phrase "READY TO RACE" is not just a catchphrase for KTM; it embodies the essence of who they are. In the world of racing, there are moments of triumph and failure, acts of bravery and letdowns, as well as victories and losses. The year 2024 has brought both achievements and obstacles for the company.

As we approach 2025 and beyond, we anticipate more ups and downs along the way, but we remain determined to keep moving forward at full speed.

The year 2024 has stood out for KTM, characterized by daring innovations, exciting wins, and a steadfast commitment to its customers. Although challenges naturally accompany any significant endeavor, we view them as a chance to speed up progress towards an even more promising future.

KTM AG is well aware of the changing economic conditions. True to our motto, 'READY TO RACE,' we are using this opportunity to adjust, recharge, and revitalize.

KTM is dedicated to providing outstanding experiences for both our existing and prospective customers. Our aim is to consistently excite and achieve victory once more.

"Motorsport serves as the stage for us to display our brand, our engineering prowess, and our love for competition. Over the last year, our racing teams have continued to excel. We kicked off the season with an impressive tally of 341 FIM World Championship titles."

The worldwide racing schedules included over 1,480 race starts, resulting in 246 podium finishes and 150 victories in different categories. Naturally, there were challenges and injuries along the way, as is typical in the sport, but KTM managed to secure 11 additional hard-earned titles to their achievements.

Away from the track, KTM has been highly engaged throughout the year. The company introduced 59 fresh models, organized three global media presentations attended by 152 media professionals, hosted three customer events with 283 attendees, and made a comeback at EICMA, the largest motorcycle exhibition worldwide, showcasing 17 new KTM products in an expansive 1,635 square meter display area.

There is significant momentum behind the introduction of these new motorcycles, alongside initiatives to sustain progress in key areas. KTM is utilizing a forward-looking strategy throughout this reorganization period.

Over the coming 90 days, our aim is to bring stability to the business and establish a strong base for long-term growth and achievement.

During this time, KTM assures that motorcycles will continue to be supplied via our network of Authorized KTM Dealers. This commitment also extends to our spare parts, technical accessories, customer service, and warranties, all of which remain consistent, providing steadfast support throughout this period.

The pursuit of cutting-edge, daring, and adventurous motorcycles continues. KTM is gearing up to release a pair of eagerly awaited models, set to hit dealership floors by the first quarter of 2025. This move reaffirms our commitment to maintaining a leading position among Europe's top motorcycle manufacturers in the years ahead.

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Ducati's MotoGP leader discusses the "genuine issue" facing the team in 2025

Gigi Dall’Igna focuses on the 2025 hurdles for Ducati

The general manager of Ducati, Gigi Dall’Igna, has disclosed that the main challenge Ducati faces for the 2025 MotoGP season is that competing brands are now deploying "better riders" than in the past.

In the 2024 season, the Italian company achieved overwhelming success, with its competitors emerging victorious in 19 out of 20 grand prix races, securing both the manufacturers' and riders' championships for Ducati.

In 2025, Ducati's presence on the racing grid will decrease from eight motorcycles to six. This change comes after Pramac decided to partner with Yamaha following Marc Marquez's move up to the factory team. Additionally, Ducati will field only three factory GP25 bikes instead of the initial four.

Dall’Igna believes that having fewer bikes isn't an issue for Ducati, noting that other manufacturers have expanded their presence on the grid without seeing much additional success recently.

A potential setback for Ducati in 2025 is that top competitors, such as the 2024 world champion Jorge Martin and Enea Bastianini, have committed to competing for other teams.

Last month, Dall'Igna responded that he genuinely doesn't believe Ducati's smaller presence in 2025 will pose any issues.

The main issue, however, is that other manufacturers seem to have superior riders. In the past, we've seen cases where brands like Aprilia expanded from two bikes to four, yet their performance results remained relatively unchanged.

"I don't believe having just six bikes and six racers on the track will be our main issue."

"The main issue is that Martin and Enea are both moving on to different companies, which I believe marks the distinction between the years 2024 and 2025."

Initially, Ducati intended to elevate Martin to their factory team for the 2025 season. However, Marquez's unexpected decision to take a works bike with Pramac led the company to reverse its plans.

Even though Martin secured the championship with Pramac, Dall’Igna firmly insists that there are no second thoughts regarding Ducati's choices for 2025.

"When I made this choice, we definitely spent a lot of time considering it," he mentioned.

"We also believed that Martin had a chance to secure the championship title this year."

"We assessed the situation and made our choice based on that evaluation."

"Currently, I remain steadfast in my belief that we have found the optimal solution for the Ducati riders."

Dall’Igna explained that Ducati's choice to cut down the number of its factory bikes from four to three was primarily driven by financial considerations, as it represents the most cost-effective option.

"Owning three bicycles allows you to rotate them for the upcoming season, making it more cost-effective."

"From a technical standpoint, having four factory bikes instead of three does not offer a genuine advantage."

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KTM permitted to proceed as employee termination predictions decrease in vital session

Austrian company facing difficulties receives a lifeline on Friday

Following a hearing on Friday, the Ried Regional Court has permitted KTM to keep operating, and the anticipated number of job cuts has decreased.

The Austrian company that produces motorcycles is facing a significant financial struggle, with KTM reportedly owing at least €1.8 billion, as stated by creditor protection groups.

In the past few months, numerous employees have been let go, and additional layoffs are anticipated. Meanwhile, workers have not yet received their salaries for November and December.

After a court session at the Ried Regional Court in Austria on Friday, KTM received permission to proceed.

As reported by the Austrian media outlet ORF, KTM will continue with its planned restructuring process. The company has been determined to have "sufficient liquidity" to last until its next financial review.

The anticipated staff layoffs have been reduced from 500 to 300, and employees are expected to receive their November and December salaries by the end of January.

The payment will come from the fund designated for wages during insolvency.

According to ORF, KTM's leader, Stefan Pierer, did not appear at the Regional Court. Instead, the company was represented by Co-CEO Gottfried Neumeister.

KTM's reorganization strategy might receive significant financial support from three entities that have shown interest in contributing through the Pierer Mobility Group, with the investment potentially reaching a value of €700 million.

Last week, the manufacturer halted production, and this pause is set to continue until the end of February due to having approximately 130,000 unsold items stored in a warehouse.

KTM is scheduled for a creditors' review on January 24, and the decision on its restructuring proposal, promising creditors a 30% repayment over two years, is set for February 25.

No formal announcement has been made regarding the effect of this recent development on KTM's MotoGP initiative.

Since November, many leaders have affirmed that the plans for 2025 will proceed without changes.

There have been reports in the media suggesting that KTM might halt the development of its 2025 motorcycle due to the financial difficulties the company is currently facing.

KTM has not yet verified this information.

This week, management revealed plans to divest KTM's controlling 50.1% share in the Italian company MV Agusta, and veteran KTM test rider Jeremy McWilliams has been laid off.

Austria's financial regulatory body is investigating KTM to determine if the Pierer Mobility Group adhered to disclosure rules in 2023.

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Joan Mir: "My circumstances are entirely unlike Marc's" – Exclusive

"Switching brands at this point would make me feel like the past two years were wasted"

The similarities are clear. Two ex-MotoGP titleholders are competing for the underperforming Repsol Honda squad in 2023.

Marc Marquez, after clinching six top-tier championships with his team, pursued an early departure to team up with Gresini Ducati. This move rejuvenated his career, leading to three victories and securing a contract with the factory Ducati team for 2025.

In the meantime, ex-colleague Joan Mir, who clinched the championship for Suzuki in 2020, remained on board for another year with HRC. However, he unexpectedly extended his contract through 2026, even though both his performance and that of the RCV have declined this season.

During an exclusive interview with Crash.net towards the end of this season, Mir spontaneously brought up a comparison with Marquez.

When asked about a season where he only accumulated 21 points—a tally lower than what Francesco Bagnaia (31 points), Brad Binder (29), and Jorge Martin (28) achieved just in the initial weekend in Qatar—Mir shared his thoughts:

"Definitely, facing such difficulties with this bike came as a surprise."

I had anticipated more immediate improvements, but for some unforeseen reason, our performance hasn't enhanced, as we are significantly behind other manufacturers. This somewhat reflects our current situation.

"We're improving, drawing nearer, yet it's still insufficient. This is our current observation."

"We haven't reached our desired status yet, but my faith in our initiative remains strong. I'm confident that with the level of effort we're putting in, we'll eventually achieve our goals."

Mir noted: "Certainly, I observed numerous transformations [this season]. It became clear to them [Honda] that their previous approaches were effective for a past [MotoGP] period. Yet, the current scenario is entirely distinct. The necessity for additional European assistance is evident. More engineers are required.

The craftsmanship and attention to detail that the Japanese exhibit in bike manufacturing, especially with Honda's MotoGP motorcycles, are truly exceptional, arguably the finest. However, when it comes to performance, we find ourselves lagging.

"We require assistance."

Assistance is required from individuals in Europe, specifically those from Italy and Spain who are employed by European manufacturing companies.

"Thus, any announcement regarding a new arrival at Honda always brings a sense of relief to me as a rider. It signals they are pursuing what I believe to be the right approach."

"We require the support of the Japanese and the Europeans; their combination is what will fortify us."

The conversation naturally transitioned to the topic of Romano Albesiano, who is set to join HRC as the new technical director for MotoGP, coming from Aprilia.

Was Mir aware of Albesiano at the time he renewed his contract with HRC?

"Definitely not. However, I observed Honda's actions and understood their intentions. I also share a unique bond with Alberto [Puig], who has always been transparent with me right from the start. My faith in this team remains unshaken."

"My circumstances are entirely unlike Marc's," Mir began, before addressing the inevitable comparisons to Marquez. He elaborated on his decision to remain with Honda instead of pursuing a path similar to Marquez's, by choosing a satellite team with a more established motorcycle.

"Obviously, my circumstances are entirely unlike Marc's when he departed from [Honda], since he had proven his worth with this manufacturer. As for myself, I haven't yet demonstrated my capabilities," Mir explained.

"Switching manufacturers at this point would mean starting from scratch for me, rendering the last two years essentially pointless. However, the sheer joy I would experience from succeeding here [at Honda] is immeasurable. Therefore, I'm committed to making it work."

Following Marquez's departure, Mir transitioned to the opposite side of the Repsol garage, teaming up with the former crew of number 93, led by Santi Hernandez, this season.

Though the outcomes of the races – a top finish of ninth in a Sprint and an eleventh place in a grand prix – might not have sparked celebrations, Mir was highly complimentary of his team.

"It was excellent. Right from the start, I had a great feeling about being with them," he expressed. "Their technical knowledge and strategic prowess are incredible. I genuinely enjoy collaborating with them, even under these circumstances – so just think how it would be if we start achieving our objectives!"

A rare bright spot for Mir in 2023 was the notable decrease in the number of accidents and injuries he suffered.

The 2017 Moto3 world champion indicated that the enhanced performance was due to better aerodynamics, which made the RCV's capabilities more apparent, along with a deliberate choice to prioritize gathering development data over risking crashes.

"Indeed, we consistently put in our full effort, yet there's a [development] journey one must embrace. I've come to terms with our current standing," Mir remarked. "Likely, the aerodynamic aspect also slightly aids in grasping the current boundaries.

"We're on the path to improvement, and this journey isn't aided by repeated accidents. It's about approaching things with the right attitude and ensuring we're in good shape for the bike's current state."

Luca Marini, who is Mir's latest teammate, ended the season as the only regular rider ranking lower than the Spanish racer in the championship standings, accumulating 14 points. Meanwhile, Johann Zarco from LCR emerged as the leading Honda competitor, securing 55 points and achieving a highest race finish of eighth.

Honda, similar to Yamaha, will maintain its technical advantages in 2025, including benefits like exclusive testing sessions for its racing team, freedom from restrictions on engine design updates, and additional allowances for aerodynamic enhancements.

Next season, the factory Hondas will sport a fresh look as Repsol, their long-term title sponsor, concludes its association with the team, a year following Marquez's departure.

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Peter has spent two decades in the racing world, witnessing Valentino Rossi's arrival and departure. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal and Marc Marquez's health challenges.

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Marc Marquez Announces Conclusion of Red Bull Partnership Ahead of Ducati MotoGP Transfer

The eight-time world champion will no longer be affiliated with Red Bull as an athlete in 2025.

Marc Marquez has announced that Red Bull will not be his sponsor next year as he transitions to the factory Ducati MotoGP team.

Throughout his MotoGP career, the eight-time world champion has consistently been associated with Red Bull. Even as he transitioned from Honda to Gresini Racing in 2024, the Red Bull logo remained prominently displayed on his helmet.

A significant initial hurdle regarding Marquez's potential transfer to the factory Ducati team was its link with Monster Energy.

Since signing his contract with Ducati, there had been no updates on how this situation would be resolved. However, clues about the conclusion of the partnership emerged during last month's post-season test in Barcelona.

Marquez participated in his initial testing session with the official Ducati team, riding a motorcycle and wearing gear that lacked his usual personal logos.

During an event held at Red Bull's Hangar 7 in Austria, Marquez announced that he will not be sponsored by Red Bull in 2025.

"This marks the final meeting," he remarked regarding his trip to Hangar 7.

"Ducati has secured a different sponsor, which means we have to stop. To honor our agreement with Red Bull, I won't have an individual sponsorship."

"I am grateful to the Red Bull team and hope we continue our friendship."

In 2025, it remains uncertain how Marquez will be associated with the Monster Energy brand, but it is probable that it will not involve a personal sponsorship role similar to what Red Bull had.

During the event, Marquez reiterated his earlier statements, emphasizing that he is not joining the factory Ducati team with the intention of being the lead rider.

"I'm joining the team that holds the world championship title," he stated.

"I am already experiencing pressure, but it's something I deliberately chose. I mentioned that I needed to step out of my comfort zone at Honda."

"I seized the moment when the opportunity arose."

"Next year, I’ll need to adopt a new strategy. At Honda, I was undoubtedly the top competitor."

"Fresh competitors consistently attempted to keep up with me. Currently, I have joined a different team. Pecco [Bagnaia] has secured numerous victories there in the past few years."

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Aspar aids those affected by floods in Valencia

The Moto2 and Moto3 squads extend their support initiatives this week

The Aspar team has started providing essential home devices to those affected by the floods in Valencia, as a continuation of their support activities in the city where the team resides.

At the close of October, the Valencia area in Spain suffered catastrophic floods that resulted in the deaths of more than 200 individuals.

The inundation resulted in extensive damage to the area's infrastructure, impacting residences as well.

Severe destruction of the entry paths to the Ricardo Tormo Circuit resulted in the cancellation of the Valencia Grand Prix, prompting the relocation of the MotoGP race to Barcelona and its rebranding as the Solidarity GP of Valencia.

The Aspar team, which operates teams in both the Moto2 and Moto3 categories, has played a leading role in MotoGP's initiatives to offer assistance to Valencia.

Initially, a GoFundMe campaign was launched, successfully gathering more than €150,000 in donations. These funds are currently being allocated to supply essential home appliances to over 2,300 individuals impacted by the flood.

"The assistance provided by the motorcycle enthusiasts to the flood victims in Valencia is starting to yield positive outcomes," a short announcement from the group stated.

The Aspar Team has initiated the process of providing essential domestic appliances and furniture to households in Algemesí and Guadassuar, located in the Ribera Alta area.

"This week marks the start of the team's efforts to distribute these essential items, made possible by the generous support."

Aspar's fundraising campaign is still ongoing and accessible at this link.

MotoGP has recently disclosed that its fundraising activities during the Solidarity GP weekend, encompassing proceeds from ticket sales and unique auctions, amassed over €1.5 million.

The Assen circuit in the Netherlands contributed €50,000 to the Ricardo Tormo Circuit to assist in covering the costs of equipment wrecked due to flood damage at the facility.

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Liberty Media's acquisition of MotoGP is postponed due to an EU investigation

The new EU inquiry might last up to 90 days

The European Commission has initiated a formal 'Phase II' probe concerning Liberty Media's €4.2 billion acquisition of Dorna Sports, the company that owns MotoGP, causing a postponement in finalizing the deal.

In April, Liberty, the owner of Formula 1, revealed that it had reached an agreement to acquire an 86% controlling stake in Dorna.

Liberty, a company based in the United States, has been optimistic from the beginning that its acquisition would receive approval from the EU, anticipating finalizing the transaction by the end of 2024.

Questions have been expressed regarding the possibility of a monopoly in the motorsport industry if Liberty's acquisition of Dorna receives approval.

Liberty is the current owner of F1, along with Formula 2 and Formula 3, whereas a related company holds Formula E. If Liberty were to purchase Dorna, it would gain authority over MotoGP and its associated support categories, in addition to World Superbikes and its developmental series.

Last week, it was reported that the acquisition of Dorna by Liberty might face delays because the European Commission is expected to initiate an investigation.

On Thursday, December 19, the European Commission officially stated that it has begun a "thorough" investigation into the sale of MotoGP. This announcement comes after Liberty initially submitted the filing on November 14, marking the deadline for EU approval.

The Commission is investigating worries that Liberty's control over F1 and MotoGP might lead to higher licensing costs, potentially affecting broadcasters negatively.

The investigation for the second phase might require as many as 90 business days to finish, potentially postponing the sale of MotoGP until May 14, 2025.

The European Commission's initial examination suggests that the deal might lessen competition between Liberty Media and Dorna Sports in the market for selling broadcasting rights for motorsports events.

The deal could potentially eliminate significant competitive pressures on Liberty Media and Dorna Sports, possibly enhancing their leverage over motorsports content broadcasters, which might eventually result in increased costs.

In particular, the Commission determined that:

The deal brings up significant worries about competition in potentially limited national markets concerning the licensing of motorsports broadcasting rights within the European Economic Area (EEA). In these markets, Formula One is the dominant force across all European nations, with MotoGP frequently being its sole rival.

The deal could potentially eliminate key competitive restrictions between the involved parties in certain broader national markets related to broadcasting rights for all sports content, or specific sections of these markets. This is mainly due to the apparent close competition between Formula One and MotoGP.

The Commission is set to conduct a thorough examination of the proposed deal's potential impacts to ascertain if their initial worries about competition are validated.

As part of its comprehensive investigation, the Commission will delve deeper into whether Mr. John Malone, the principal shareholder of both Liberty Media and Liberty Global, has the power to significantly impact the decision-making of these companies.

If the deal is approved, there might be worries that Liberty Media could block competing broadcasters in regions where Liberty Global operates, specifically in Belgium, Ireland, and the Netherlands.

The Commission was informed about the planned deal on November 14, 2024. It now has a period of 90 business days, ending on May 14, 2025, to make a decision.

The initiation of a thorough investigation does not imply any assumptions about its conclusion.

In a statement released on Thursday, Liberty Media expressed confidence that the European Union will approve the sale.

Liberty Media announced that the European Commission has initiated a Phase II investigation regarding its planned acquisition of MotoGP.

"We believe this deal will be advantageous for MotoGP’s operations, its supporters, its audience, and the motorcycle industry as a whole. Many stakeholders in the market have acknowledged the positive aspects of this agreement."

The demand for audiovisual entertainment extends significantly beyond just sports, and this deal will strengthen MotoGP’s position in this fiercely competitive industry.

"We remain committed to collaborating with the European Commission as they advance their examination. In agreement with the sellers, we have extended the deadline to June 30, 2025, to allow for a more thorough investigation. We are confident that the European Commission will ultimately decide in favor of approving the transaction."

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The six pivotal races that determined the 2024 MotoGP championship

The crucial six contests where Jorge Martin secured a lead of ten points or more against Francesco Bagnaia, ultimately defining his championship victory margin…

At the end of this year's world championship, the new MotoGP champion, Jorge Martin, finished a mere ten points ahead of his competitor Francesco Bagnaia, with a total possible season score of 740 points.

Here are the six contests where Martin, known for being the inaugural winner of a satellite championship in the 'MotoGP' period, scored significantly higher than the two-time defending champion Bagnaia by a noticeable margin…

At the Portimao Grand Prix, in the second round, Martin finished in first place, earning 25 points, while Bagnaia did not finish, receiving no points.

Martin, representing Sprint, and Bagnaia, from GP, each kickstarted the season with a victory at the Qatar opening race, heading into the Portugal event separated by a mere three points.

In the Portimao Sprint, the duo secured third and fourth places. However, Martin dramatically increased his lead by 25 points in the championship race after clinching victory in the grand prix. Meanwhile, his closest competitor, Bagnaia, faced misfortune by crashing towards the end of the race following a collision with Marc Marquez for the fifth position.

In the fourth round of the Jerez Sprint, Martin secured the top position, earning 12 points, while Bagnaia did not finish the race, receiving no points.

In the wet conditions of the Jerez Sprint, Bagnaia experienced his second failure to finish the season. This occurred when he was caught in a tight spot between Marco Bezzecchi and Brad Binder at the first turn, leading to his crash out of the race on the third lap.

Martin clinched the Sprint victory, however, the scenario shifted dramatically the next day as Bagnaia achieved a stunning win against Marc Marquez in the Grand Prix, with Martin unfortunately crashing out.

Round 5 of the Le Mans Sprint concluded with Martin securing the first place and earning 12 points, while Bagnaia did not finish the race, hence acquiring no points.

Bagnaia didn't complete his second consecutive Sprint and experienced his third failure to earn points in six races, owing to a mechanical problem at Le Mans.

“[The bike] was behaving erratically, forcing me to withdraw,” Bagnaia stated.

Martin secured his sole 37-point weekend peak for the season by clinching victories in both races in France, with Bagnaia coming in just behind Martin and Marc Marquez, taking third place in the grand prix.

Aragon Grand Prix, 12th Race

Martin Secures 2nd Place (20 points)

Bagnaia Fails to Finish, Earns No Points (0 points)

Despite Bagnaia's falls during the sprints in Catalunya (the sixth round) and Silverstone (the tenth round), Martin was only able to secure six and nine points from them, respectively.

The Spanish rider encountered errors during the Mugello Sprint and particularly at the Sachsenring Grand Prix (round 9), marking the occasion when Bagnaia first assumed the championship lead since the Qatar race.

Martin reclaimed his position at Silverstone, but it was only during the 12th race in Aragon that the Spanish rider managed to extend his lead by more than 10 points over Bagnaia in a single event, securing second place behind Marc Marquez. Meanwhile, his competitor for the title was eliminated from the race after a significant clash with Alex Marquez for the third spot.

Merging only a single point from a challenging Sprint due to limited traction, Aragon marked Bagnaia’s most difficult weekend of the season.

At the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Misano, during the 14th round, Martin secured 2nd place, earning 20 points, while Bagnaia did not finish the race, thus receiving no points.

Bagnaia reduced Martin's advantage in the championship by 16 points during the San Marino Grand Prix, capitalizing on Martin's significant error of pitting amidst brief rainfall. He further narrowed the gap by securing a victory at the Emilia Romagna Sprint, marking MotoGP's return to his local circuit for a second time.

Heading into the Grand Prix, Bagnaia trailed Martin by a mere 4 points but suffered his seventh non-finish of the season after crashing during a braking attempt while in pursuit of Martin and Enea Bastianini.

The sole positive takeaway for Bagnaia was Bastianini's victory over Martin, achieved through a contentious maneuver on the final lap.

At the 19th round of the Sepang Sprint, Martin finished first, earning 12 points, while Bagnaia did not finish the race, resulting in no points.

The last significant shift towards Martin occurred during the second-to-last round at Sepang, proving to be the most expensive.

Bagnaia maintained his championship aspirations by clinching a victory in the wet conditions of Buriram the past weekend, reducing Martin's advantage to 17 points.

There were still 74 points up for grabs, and Bagnaia was viewed as the more dominant competitor at Sepang, making an impactful move by outperforming Martin for the pole position and setting a new lap record in the process.

However, the concluding surprise in what Bagnaia had previously referred to as a 'season filled with errors' – on account of the races neither he nor Martin finished – resulted in the Ducati Lenovo ace losing his position and falling behind the Pramac competitor during the Sprint. This marked his eighth and last race of the year where he did not finish.

Bagnaia secured victories in the last three races, but Martin consistently secured podium positions and was officially crowned champion during the season's 40th and concluding race in Barcelona, a race in which Bagnaia achieved his fifth perfect score of 37 points for the year.

Bagnaia's Top Five Triumphs…

Presented are the five key races, listed by date, in which Bagnaia significantly boosted his championship aspirations by reducing Martin's lead in the world championship by ten points or more…

Jerez Grand Prix, the fourth race: Bagnaia clinches victory, earning 25 points, while Martin does not finish.

At the Mugello Sprint, in the seventh race: Bagnaia secures the top spot again with 12 points, with Martin unable to complete the race.

During the Sachsenring Grand Prix, the ninth event: Bagnaia repeats his winning performance, garnering another 25 points, as Martin fails to finish once more.

At the San Marino Grand Prix, held as the thirteenth race: Bagnaia finishes second, adding 19 points to his tally, with Martin crossing the line in 15th place.

In the Mandalika Sprint, the fifteenth round: Bagnaia takes first place once again, earning

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Peter has spent two decades in the racing field, witnessing Valentino Rossi's rise and retirement. He's currently leading coverage on Suzuki's departure from racing and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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Key Competitions That Determined the 2024 MotoGP Championship

The six pivotal races in which Jorge Martin secured a lead of ten points or more against Francesco Bagnaia, ultimately defining his championship victory margin…

At the close of this year's world championship, newly crowned MotoGP champion Jorge Martin finished a mere ten points ahead of his competitor Francesco Bagnaia, from a possible total of 740 points for the season.

Here are the six events where Martin, known for being the inaugural winner of a satellite championship in the 'MotoGP' period, secured a lead of at least that margin over the two-time defending champion Bagnaia…

At the Portimao Grand Prix, during the second round, Martin finished first, earning 25 points, while Bagnaia did not finish the race, resulting in no points scored.

Martin from the Sprint team and Bagnaia representing GP each secured a victory at the start of the season in Qatar, arriving in Portugal separated by a mere three points.

In the Portimao Sprint, the duo secured the third and fourth positions. However, Martin dramatically increased his lead by 25 points over his closest competitor by clinching victory in the grand prix. This significant gain occurred as Bagnaia fell behind after a late-race crash, resulting from a clash with Marc Marquez for the fifth spot.

In the fourth round of the Jerez Sprint, Martin finished in first place, earning 12 points, while Bagnaia did not finish the race, thus gaining no points.

Bagnaia experienced his second zero-point result of the year during the wet Jerez Sprint, after being caught in a tight spot between Marco Bezzecchi and Brad Binder at the first turn, on the third lap, leading to his crash.

Martin clinched the victory in the Sprint, however, the dynamics shifted the next day as Bagnaia secured a remarkable win against Marc Marquez in the Grand Prix, with Martin unfortunately crashing out.

In the fifth round of the Le Mans Sprint, Martin clinched first place, earning 12 points, while Bagnaia did not finish the race, receiving no points.

Bagnaia didn't complete his second consecutive Sprint, marking his third failure to earn points in six races, because of a mechanical problem at Le Mans.

"Bagnaia described, saying, “The bike was acting erratically, forcing me to withdraw."

Martin achieved his season's sole maximum of 37 points during the weekend by securing victories in both races held in France, with Bagnaia narrowly placing third behind Martin and Marc Marquez in the Grand Prix.

Aragon Grand Prix, 12th Round: Martin finishes second, earning 20 points, while Bagnaia does not finish, resulting in zero points.

Despite Bagnaia's falls in both the Catalunya (6th round) and Silverstone (10th round) Sprint races, Martin managed to secure just six and nine points in each event, respectively.

The Spanish rider also encountered errors during the Mugello Sprint and notably at the Sachsenring Grand Prix (race 9), where Bagnaia seized the championship lead for the first time since the Qatar race.

Martin reclaimed his lead during the Silverstone event, yet it was not until the twelfth round in Aragon that the Spanish rider managed to extend his advantage over Bagnaia by more than 10 points in a single race, securing a second-place finish behind Marc Marquez. Meanwhile, his closest competitor exited the race after a significant crash involving Alex Marquez while they were battling for third position.

Paired with a mere single point due to difficulties in maintaining traction during the Sprint, Aragon marked Bagnaia's most challenging weekend of the season.

At the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Misano, which was the 14th round, Martin secured the second position, earning 20 points, while Bagnaia did not finish the race, thus receiving no points.

By claiming victory at the Emilia Romagna Sprint, Bagnaia further reduced Martin's championship advantage by three points. This win came during MotoGP's second event at his local circuit, following an incident where Martin significantly lost his lead by misjudging the weather and opting to pit during brief rainfall in the San Marino Grand Prix, allowing Bagnaia to close the gap by 16 points.

Heading into the Grand Prix, Bagnaia was trailing Martin by a mere 4 points, but his pursuit of Martin and Enea Bastianini led to his seventh season DNF, as he crashed during a braking attempt.

The sole positive for Bagnaia emerged when Bastianini secured a win over Martin, following a contentious move on the final lap.

6. Sepang Sprint, Round 19

Martin secured 1st place (12 points)

Bagnaia did not finish (DNF) and earned 0 points

The last significant shift towards Martin occurred during the second to last round at Sepang, proving to be the most expensive.

Bagnaia maintained his championship aspirations by claiming victory in the wet conditions at Buriram the prior weekend, reducing Martin's advantage to 17 points.

There were still 74 points up for grabs, and Bagnaia was considered the more formidable competitor at Sepang, where he struck an important initial advantage by outpacing Martin for the pole position, setting a new lap record in the process.

In what Bagnaia had previously labeled a 'season filled with errors' – highlighted by the multiple races both he and Martin failed to finish – the climax came when the Ducati Lenovo standout lost control and crashed out from second place behind the Pramac competitor during the Sprint. This marked his eighth and last did-not-finish (DNF) of the season.

Bagnaia clinched victories in the last three races, yet Martin consistently secured podium positions, ultimately being declared the champion during the season's 40th and final race in Barcelona. In that race, Bagnaia achieved his fifth 37-point maximum score of the year.

Bagnaia's Top Five Boosts…

Presenting the five key races (listed in the order they occurred) where Bagnaia significantly boosted his championship aspirations by reducing Martin's lead in the world championship by ten points or more…

Jerez Grand Prix, 4th Race: Bagnaia clinches victory securing 25 points, Martin fails to finish.Mugello Sprint Race, 7th Event: Bagnaia dominates again with a first-place finish, earning 12 points, while Martin does not complete the race.Sachsenring Grand Prix, 9th Round: Bagnaia continues his winning streak with another 25 points, Martin exits the race early again.San Marino Grand Prix, 13th Contest: Bagnaia finishes a close second for 19 points, Martin manages 15th place.Mandalika Sprint, 15th Race: Bagnaia takes top honors once more, bagging 12 points, with Martin finishing in 10th position.

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MV Agusta set for sale amid KTM's financial woes triggering scrutiny

KTM's ownership stakes in the renowned Italian company are being listed for sale by the overseer

The administrator is selling off KTM's controlling interest of 50.1% in MV Agusta as the Financial Market Authority initiates a probe into the Pierer Mobility Group.

The Austrian company is currently facing a severe monetary challenge, leading it to initiate self-administration as a strategy to avoid insolvency.

In the past few weeks, KTM has dismissed numerous employees, and anticipates further job cuts, as it will not provide salaries to its workforce during the Christmas period.

Recently, there has been speculation that KTM, after initially acquiring a controlling interest in MV Agusta in 2022, might be considering selling its shares in the Italian motorcycle company.

This week, a regional Austrian court declared that the administrator is set to sell PMG's 51% controlling interest in MV Agusta.

MV Agusta is facing similar excess inventory challenges as KTM, according to Autosport, which has indicated that there are 2000 motorcycles from the manufacturer gathering dust in an Austrian warehouse, as employees in Italy consent to reductions in their salaries.

Austria's Financial Market Authority is currently probing into whether KTM adhered to the required disclosure rules, focusing on its compliance.

Based on information from the Austrian Press Agency, the focus of the inquiry will be on the period between May and November, during which there were significant changes to PMG's business projections and a restructuring of its leadership.

At the start of this year, the number of members on KTM's board of directors was reduced from six to two, indicating that the full extent of the company's financial troubles had not yet been disclosed.

A gathering of the creditors is scheduled for Friday, during which they will decide whether KTM can keep running.

KTM has remained silent recently regarding the impact this scenario will have on its MotoGP plans, but various sources confirmed in November that activities for 2025 are expected to proceed without changes.

Subsequently, there were media speculations about a halt in progress, despite KTM participating in an exclusive testing session at Jerez last week with Pol Espargaro and Dani Pedrosa.

KTM's economic challenges have affected its participation in other grand prix events, leading to the disappearance of the GASGAS and Husqvarna names from the Moto2 and Moto3 line-ups in 2025.

In 2025, the motorcycle racing team Tech3, which competed as GASGAS in the 2023 and 2024 MotoGP seasons, will return to using the KTM name.

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Brad Binder Reflects on a Year of Challenges – Exclusive Interview

"Considering the season's hurdles, ranking 5th in the championship seems unexpected"

Brad Binder impressed at the kickoff of the MotoGP season in Qatar, yet the subsequent 19 races proved to be rather lackluster.

Finishing second twice at Lusail hinted that 2024 could be the year Binder and KTM finally vie for the championship.

However, the South African failed to make it back to the podium in the next 38 races.

The RC16 not only fell behind the Ducatis, but Binder also experienced a staggering 19 crashes and encountered significant issues during qualifying, notably starting from the very back of the grid at Le Mans.

Despite facing challenges, he managed to secure a fifth-place finish in the world championship, only slightly behind his previous year's position, and once again stood out as the top rider among those not on Ducati bikes.

Yet, his point tally fell short by 76 compared to his score in 2023

"Clearly, we anticipated a better performance this season," Binder expressed in a one-on-one interview with Crash.net.

The truth is, we've been facing more challenges than we had hoped for.

"Clearly, nobody is completely satisfied with the current situation."

"The collective dedication of the entire team, along with the hard work of everyone at the factory, truly provides me with a great deal of solace."

"I'm quite optimistic that our stay here won't be extended."

A mystery of the racing season is the reason behind Binder and KTM's impressive performance in Qatar, outperforming expected championship contenders Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin during that weekend, only to see their advantage diminish subsequently.

In Lusail, Binder amassed 29 of his total 37 points, while his second most successful event was at Aragon, where he earned 17 points.

Binder pointed out that one reason for the Ducatis' struggle at Lusail was due to vibration issues caused by changes to the Michelin rear tire. His RC16, however, didn't face the same problem, though this advantage was short-lived.

"Frankly, when I was in Qatar, I noticed that while racing, the other riders were dealing with a lot of chatter, but we didn't have that issue at all!" Binder remarked, after ending up as the sole KTM rider amid a top seven dominated by Ducatis at Lusail.

"I believe they definitely lost some time at that point. I managed to close the gap, particularly in two or three turns where they experienced significant chatter. That, I would say, significantly benefited us."

"Following that, it's evident they managed to make a slight progress."

The two-time MotoGP champion also highlighted that he didn't fully capitalize on his abilities this year.

He mentioned, "We've had moments of strength in certain races, yet, regrettably, I haven't had an outstanding season at all," he admitted. "I've faced significant setbacks, including struggles and ending up qualifying at the very bottom, of all places, at Le Mans!"

"This year has presented numerous obstacles, yet surprisingly we find ourselves in fifth place in the championship. Considering the difficulties we've faced, including my numerous falls, one wouldn't anticipate us being in this position."

"We're not the only ones facing challenges; many others have experienced a tougher season than expected."

Certainly, similar to Ducati's competitors, KTM was never completely able to master the updated rear tire.

"Truthfully, we're in the process of figuring it out," Binder admitted. "We've discovered a few strategies that appear to be somewhat more effective."

"Currently, the main focus is on fully grasping what's necessary to increase our speed."

The approach included utilizing the final stages to collect information for the year 2025.

"He mentioned that they plan to experiment with a slightly different downforce during the Sepang race to see if it helps address their issues."

Binder has pointed out an issue with insufficient cornering speed.

"Indeed, from my perspective, we're experiencing a noticeable decrease in speed during the mid-corner roll compared to what we've encountered previously," he acknowledged.

"Therefore, addressing that issue is on our agenda. However, the situation is intricate – it's not as straightforward as identifying the issue and implementing a solution to resolve it."

Binder, who secured the sixth quickest time during the Barcelona post-race test, is set to return to the track on the 2025 KTM prototype in Sepang come February.

Peter has spent two decades in the racing circuit, witnessing Valentino Rossi's rise and retirement. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's health setbacks.

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