KTM’s 2025 MotoGP Strategy: No ‘Team Captain’, Performance Dictates Priority

KTM won't designate a 'team captain' for its 2025 MotoGP lineup, leaving leadership open to performance

Who will lead KTM in 2025 – Binder, Acosta, Vinales, or Bastianini? The title of 'team captain' goes to the rider leading in points.

Brad Binder, who has been with Red Bull KTM for five years, will team up with MotoGP newcomer Pedro Acosta at the Austrian team next year, as Tech3 introduces a completely new duo consisting of seasoned victors Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini.

However, KTM Motorsports Director Pit Beirer stated that neither any rider nor team would be granted an automatic lead status. Moreover, should there be a scarcity in new development components, their allocation will be determined by the standings in the championship.

"Beirer mentioned that discussions were held with each of the four boys regarding our future collaboration methods," he stated. "Our aim is to match every rider with a supportive team and provide each one with four identical motorcycles at the season's commencement."

The intention isn't to develop a new component for the circuit that's exclusive to a single racer. However, there could be instances where a novel upgrade is created, it proves to be superior, yet the production is limited to just sufficient for one racer.

"Subsequently, the leading cyclist in the points tally will receive it."

"Beirer has confirmed that the leading rider in the points standings from our group will assume the role of team captain. Following that, the second and the third positions…

"In contrast to the typical MotoGP setup, where one team operates directly under the manufacturer's banner and the other as a secondary, or satellite, team—with the primary team receiving upgrades before the satellite—this scenario doesn't follow that pattern."

"The responsibility falls on the young men to gather the necessary supplies."

KTM has demonstrated that their statements are not mere empty promises by equipping Acosta, who is presently racing for Tech3 in GASGAS attire, with the newest components, signifying his elite ranking within the world championship standings for KTM.

Beirer is of the opinion that the strategy, along with the remarkable success of the young Spaniard this year, served as a catalyst in drawing figures such as Vinales and Bastianini towards Tech3/KTM.

"Beirer stated that Pedro gave us a significant opportunity this year to demonstrate our complete support for the Tech3 riders, which in turn attracted these riders to join."

"In the world of racing, the most formidable competitor assumes the role of leader."

Next season, the appearance of all four RC16 riders will be unified, as Tech3 will adopt the Red Bull KTM branding alongside the official team, transitioning from two years of being branded as 'GASGAS'.

The procurement of Vinales, who has secured victories in ten races across Suzuki, Yamaha, and Aprilia, alongside Bastianini, with five wins under his belt for Ducati, signifies:

Reviewing the current standings in the points, positions 4 [Bastianini], 5 [Acosta], 6 [Vinales], and 7 [Binder] will remain part of our team for the upcoming season.

"The objective is plainly in sight. It's those other three locations ahead of us."

"However, I'm convinced that this setup is going to be incredibly robust, especially considering Dani Pedrosa and Pol Espargaro's involvement. They're dedicating time to refining the bike, and both are exceptional in providing direct feedback to the riders."

"Although it's not certain, I believe that the 2025 roster will aid us in advancing further in this category, aiming for our major championship goal."

Beirer addressed a select gathering of media representatives following the revelations about Vinales and Bastianini joining Tech3, but he emphasized that his attention is now shifting back to the ongoing season.

"Beirer mentioned he prefers to end the discussion regarding Enea and Maverick following our current conversation, pointing out fairness. He highlighted that they are backed by excellent teams and manufacturers this year, aiming for outstanding achievements."

"We were obligated to disclose the agreements for 2025. However, the moment has come for us to take a step back, return home, and devote our attention to the four young talents we're committed to. They merit our complete dedication, and it's only fair that we refrain from interfering with the athletes affiliated with other teams."

Following the Mugello races, significant team switches have been announced, affecting four of the top six contenders in the world championship. Among these, the current frontrunner Jorge Martin (Ducati), alongside Bastianini (Ducati) and Vinales (Aprilia), are set to switch manufacturers by 2025.

"Beirer expressed uncertainty about the impact of Martin's switch to Aprilia on what lies ahead. He pointed out the unpredictability in determining the preferred contender from each team to end the season on a high, especially with the current championship front-runner changing teams."

"I can't concern myself with that since I'm responsible for four boys and it's imperative that we outperform our earlier season's efforts."

"We aim to utilize the pause before Assen to accelerate our four riders' performance."

"Revealing Vinales and Bastianini brings a brief period of celebration, but soon it's back to our initial strategy. With a lengthy season ahead, there remains an extensive amount of preparation and effort to be put in for this year."

Jack Miller, currently ranked 16th, and Augusto Fernandez, who is positioned 17th in the standings, are set to depart from KTM, paving the path for Vinales and Bastianini to join the team. Their future endeavors for the 2025 season remain unannounced.

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