### “KTM’s Maverick Move: How Vinales’ ‘Special’ Talent Could Make Him Unbeatable in 2025

KTM believes that Maverick Vinales is exceptionally talented and can be nearly impossible to defeat. According to Pit Beirer, "Everyone is aware of Maverick's extraordinary abilities… Our goal is to ensure that he can consistently perform at this high level."

In a stunning move this MotoGP season, KTM has successfully signed Maverick Vinales, a racer with 10 premier-class victories, away from the factory Aprilia team. Vinales will join Enea Bastianini in an entirely new Tech3 lineup for the 2025 season.

In this segment, Pit Beirer, who serves as KTM's motorsport director, sheds light on the expedited agreement. He affirms that their goal is to consistently bring out the 'exceptional and invincible' qualities in Vinales. Beirer also clarifies that KTM was 'never truly engaged in contract negotiations with Marc Marquez or Jorge Martin,' among other points…

Context of the agreement

"To begin with, we've maintained our connection with Maverick ever since he clinched a Moto3 world championship on a KTM years ago in 2013. Our friendship and professional relationship have always been strong. We stayed in close touch, and eventually, we had a conversation about the future, specifically 2025, during which he expressed a desire to join us."

“It wasn’t the same as conversing with various racers who were anticipating an opening at Ducati. From the outset, his dedication [to joining KTM] was unwavering."

"I believe he currently has an excellent team and an outstanding bike, so it was somewhat pleasantly surprising for us that he was genuinely interested and sincere about it. He wasn't merely seeking an offer from us to leverage with another party."

Deal struck in record time

"Everything happened rapidly! We took a seat, discussed the conditions, and came to an agreement. There was no lengthy negotiation or uncertainty. It was a fantastic experience that left me feeling extremely positive."

"We were considering [Maverick], but I couldn't say for sure if it was a viable option. However, it was evident from the events in Mugello [Marquez/Martin negotiations] that you need to act swiftly to finalize your [rider] lineup if things unfold in a certain way."

"Following the Ducati conversation, it became evident that developments would happen swiftly. I believe we prepared thoroughly and were poised to take action at the appropriate time."

The announcement about Vinales joining KTM was released on Thursday morning at 9 am. The agreement was finalized the previous evening at 8 o'clock.

There have been no discussions about contracts with either Marc Marquez or Jorge Martin.

"I am acquainted with Marc and Jorge; we have occasional conversations. However, we never engaged in any contract discussions since they were fully dedicated to their own plans and initiatives."

"Therefore, we took a different route early on to make our rider package as robust as we could."

"And when you have riders like Maverick, who secured a victory in America, and Enea, who showcased his talent in Mugello, it really highlights their exceptional abilities."

"I believe that on an exceptionally good day, our KTM team has the potential to secure a victory. It's been some time since we've achieved that. When things are going well, we are the second-best team after Ducati. However, I emphasize 'on a good day' because there are times when Aprilia outperforms us. They also do an excellent job."

"We haven't reached our full potential yet. We need to improve both the bike and the team to be truly competitive with the top riders. That's why I believe Enea and Maverick can contribute significantly to the project."

Brad Binder has been with us for so long that both he and we find it very challenging to shift away from our established approach.

"Additionally, there's Pedro, a newcomer, who seems to appreciate what we offer. He can pick up speed right away…"

The speaker expressed satisfaction with Enea's performance, particularly how he concluded at Mugello, and mentioned that they are pleased with his progress so far. The main goal is to provide Enea with a supportive team and a reliable machine. The speaker believes that if Enea feels content and confident, his performance will be excellent.

"If Maverick starts his day confident in his victory, he is nearly impossible to defeat."

"I feel a deep personal bond with Maverick. It's crucial for him to have a supportive environment where he feels at home on a human level. When he has that, we all know he's capable of extraordinary things."

"However, we understand that if he’s uneasy, he won’t just drop a spot or two; things will go terribly awry."

“I believe our team has great ideas and members who know how to collaborate effectively with him. The positive and welcoming vibe he shared during our conversation is something we want to reciprocate, and I am confident we can achieve that.”

"Maverick is at a stage in his career where his talent is well-recognized. On days when he wakes up confident that he'll secure a Grand Prix victory, he's nearly impossible to defeat."

"We need to ensure that he experiences this sensation repeatedly…"

"There are areas where I believe we can assist him. However, he's already a Grand Prix winner. My main goal is to have him on our team and to bring out his extraordinary talent time and time again."

"He was with us, and it's clear he has a strategy and a goal. We are very eager to back him up."

"We are under significant pressure to perform."

"I believe KTM could benefit from insights provided by riders with a winning track record to give us an extra edge. I think all the necessary elements are already in place."

"We must utilize the period before these new team members arrive to prepare as thoroughly as we can. I sense that the responsibility is on us to provide the appropriate resources for them to excel."

"They have demonstrated their capability by winning Grand Prix events, so it’s crucial for us to provide them with the appropriate resources to maintain their success."

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