KTM Prioritizes Experience Over Youth for MotoGP 2025: A Strategic Shift Towards Proven Winners

KTM's Decision to Opt for 'Experienced Competitors' Instead of a Development Initiative for MotoGP 2025

KTM made a definitive choice to prioritize performance over initiating another developmental effort. Moreover, frankly speaking, I don’t observe any upcoming talent in Moto2 prepared for this step.

Since partnering with KTM in 2019, Herve Poncharal's Tech3 team has welcomed six new riders: Miguel Oliveira in 2019, Iker Lecuona in 2020, Raul Fernandez and Remy Gardner both in 2021, Augusto Fernandez in 2022, and Pedro Acosta in 2023.

The Tech3 team's duo of Fernandez-Acosta entered the season with their ages totaling 45 years, having just a single season of MotoGP experience under their belts, and without any MotoGP podium finishes.

However, those figures are set to undergo significant alterations by 202

The fresh pairing of Maverick Vinales with Enea Bastianini brings together a total age of 57 years, 14 years of cumulative experience in MotoGP, and, as it stands, a joint achievement of 15 wins and 47 podium finishes in MotoGP competitions, achieved on Yamaha, Aprilia, Suzuki, and Ducati bikes.

To provide a sense of the magnitude of this change, the upcoming KTM factory team, featuring Brad Binder and Acosta, collectively boasts 2 victories in MotoGP and 13 podium finishes on KTM bikes.

"In the wake of the agreements with Vinales and Bastianini, KTM's motorsport director, Pit Beirer, has acknowledged that for the coming two years, they will not be able to provide an opportunity for emerging talent in MotoGP."

Acosta follows in the footsteps of Gardner and Augusto Fernandez as the third consecutive Moto2 champion to advance to MotoGP with KTM. However, he stands out as the only one among them to secure a podium finish and spearhead the RC16's efforts in the rankings.

"Beirer expressed his desire, saying he definitely hopes to see riders who have progressed through our 'Academy' reach the top and remain competitive."

"[However], it's evident that the intricacies and challenges of MotoGP are significant. Only truly exceptional newcomers stand to benefit from diving directly into MotoGP competition.

Pedro has demonstrated that it indeed can be achieved.

"Yet, we faced challenges [previously]. Transitioning into MotoGP can be incredibly difficult, even for a Moto2 world champion."

"Examining the overall financial commitment to the MotoGP division, consider a sum reaching into the many millions and then split it by four. The cost for each rider ensemble amounts to several million…"

"And it seems like there's no longer the opportunity in MotoGP to say, 'Alright, let's embark on a sort of training initiative'."

"Delivering results is crucial. This isn't solely for the sake of gaining attention. It's equally vital for enhancing the overall team's performance."

To achieve having a victorious rider within the team, it's essential to have a total of four capable riders. This is because from the beginning of Friday morning, immediate data collection is crucial to advance and prepare for the subsequent practice session.

"We simply felt more at ease selecting Grand Prix victors and propelling the entire project forward, motivating one another."

"I believe both Pedro and Brad will gain from the addition of two more skilled cyclists."

"Hence, the choice was unequivocally in favor of pursuing tangible outcomes over yet another educational scheme. Moreover, candidly speaking, I don't perceive the next individual as being prepared."

"Should the upcoming rider prove to be the next Pedro, fully prepared within our Moto2 initiative to ascend, we'd undoubtedly bring him on board without hesitation. However, we don't perceive that they're prepared for the upcoming year or the year following."

"Therefore, we needed to prioritize the quality of the rider."

The latest team formation for Red Bull KTM Ajo in the Moto2 category, featuring Celestino Vietti and newcomer Deniz Oncu, is presently ranked 10th and 23rd in the championship standings.

Fermin Aldeguer stands as the sole Moto2 competitor presently slated to advance to MotoGP next year, occupying an unspecified Ducati position.

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