KTM Faces Backlash Over Guidotti’s Departure: Critics Question Logic Behind Ajo’s Appointment

KTM Faces Criticism for Blaming Francesco Guidotti – "The Reasoning is Unconvincing"

"Bringing Aki Ajo in doesn't seem to translate into a noticeable improvement in performance"

KTM has faced severe criticism for their choice to dismiss Francesco Guidotti.

Guidotti is set to step down from his role as team manager once this season concludes, with Aki Ajo slated to take over the position.

However, KTM has faced backlash for their choice to switch team leaders.

"Michael Laverty from TNT Sports referred to Guidotti as 'one of the finest'."

Numerous top-notch engineers have expressed to me that he is the finest leader they've ever had the opportunity to work with. Therefore, it's quite unexpected coming from KTM.

"It's similar to how in top-tier soccer clubs, when outcomes are disappointing, the blame often falls on someone, and typically, it's the coach who ends up being dismissed."

"Francesco has been unjustly blamed. When the opportunity landed with him, he skillfully navigated it, utilized the resources available to him, and performed admirably."

"He excels in communication and takes all the right steps to ensure KTM is viewed positively by the public."

"I'm not a fan of the situation where he's been sidelined a year prior to his contract's expiration in 2025. Clearly, KTM will be obligated to compensate him for breaking the contract early."

The rationale escapes me. While Ajo is undoubtedly a proficient team leader, I fail to see how this will translate into improved performance during races.

"I fail to understand how bringing Ajo into the mix will bridge the gap of the few tenths of a second they lack."

KTM 'strict' – 'Guidotti is not at fault'

Neil Hodgson noted: “However, this is typical behavior observed from KTM as a manufacturer throughout the years. They tend to be quite strict.

Significant financial resources are allocated to this MotoGP initiative.

The truth is, they keep advancing and making progress, yet sadly, one producer – Ducati – has made more significant strides.

"The sole reason it appears that KTM is facing difficulties is if the 2024 Ducati were identical to the 2023 model, KTM would be competing closely."

"I don't believe Guidotti is at fault here. However, accountability must be assigned to someone."

"A single manufacturer will emerge victorious, which means you'll constantly be on the hunt for solutions. It doesn't appear that changing the team manager is the correct solution."

Laverty stated, "It's an action taken to satisfy the board members."

Hodgson drew parallels between Guidotti and his successor Ajo, noting, "Both possess outstanding credentials within the paddock, ranking among the elite. However, their approaches are distinctly different.

Reflecting on Ajo's achievements in the junior categories and his approach, it seems to me that his style aligns better with the disciplined, Austrian method rather than Guidotti's easy-going, yet professional demeanor.

Guidotti joined KTM in 2022, taking over for Mike Leitner.

He guided Brad Binder to a fourth-place finish in the previous year's championship, marking a peak achievement for the team.

This year, they've celebrated Pedro Acosta's emergence, who is set to join their official team in 2025, under Ajo's leadership.

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