Shifting Gears: Unraveling the Truth Behind KTM’s Struggles and Guidotti’s Role

Understanding the Reasons Behind KTM's Difficulties: Francesco Guidotti Not to Blame

The departure of KTM's chief raises inquiries into his responsibility for the team's performance issues.

KTM experienced a significantly positive day during the practice session for the Japanese MotoGP after revealing their new team leader.

In 2025, Aki Ajo is set to take over from Francesco Guidotti, marking a significant shift for a manufacturer whose season has fallen short of its lofty ambitions.

Brad Binder set the pace in Friday's practice session at Motegi, ensuring KTM remained a focus of attention.

Guidotti maintained "I don't perceive any controversy," although a few in the racing community have voiced disapproval of KTM's decision to let him go.

Michael Laverty from TNT Sports clarified that the performance of a MotoGP motorcycle isn't the team leader's responsibility.

"Fundamentally, they're typically not involved in the technical procedure," Laverty mentioned.

"This responsibility falls upon the team's technical director, the testing team, and the engineers."

"Thus, Francesco's role involved assembling the team."

Surrounding the garage, there are distinct groups at work. Brad and Jack Miller's squads are led by their respective crew chiefs, while Francesco is responsible for compiling the data and fostering a collaborative atmosphere among the teams.

"He fosters unity, facilitating dialogue between engineers and support personnel.

"He excels in his role of engaging with the external community and the general public."

"His primary role involves coordinating race weekends, scheduling them, and establishing a framework. It appears he has successfully fulfilled these responsibilities."

"A subtle critique towards KTM…"

KTM's own racer, Miller, had earlier dismissed the idea that Guidotti was responsible for their motorcycle's performance falling short compared to Ducati and, at times, Aprilia, calling it “nonsense.”

Miller stated, "Francesco has proven to be an exceptional team leader through his work with Pramac, essentially shaping their current status. I believe that with the appropriate resources, he could have achieved similar success at KTM."

Commentator Gavin Emmett from TNT Sports responded to Miller's statements, noting, "He subtly jabbed at KTM… It's unclear what he's implying."

Bjorn Estment, a member of Binder's core team, commented, "Francesco is a wonderful person. From the moment I joined, he's treated me well. He's performed admirably."

"His reputation in the racing circle is notable, stretching back to the times I used to observe him on television. He's consistently cheerful, and he gets along well with everyone."

"The game is continuously changing, leading to tough choices being made. The team that secures Francesco's talents will consider themselves fortunate."

Laverty noted, "This season, Ducati has elevated their performance, uncovering a surprise advantage of three tenths that was unexpected by everyone."

"The latest Michelin tire provides enhanced grip. However, both KTM and Honda appear to experience vibration issues with this model."

"KTM is facing challenges as their years of advancement seem to have hit a snag, leaving them not as formidable as they were just last year."

"It's challenging for those in authority to explain why the outcomes haven't matched those from the previous year."

"It's comparable to a football squad pointing fingers at their coach. Francesco was in the hot seat, and they decided to cut him loose."

Heading into the Japanese MotoGP, Pedro Acosta occupies the fifth position and Binder the sixth in the MotoGP rankings, making them the leading pair of riders not on Ducati bikes for KTM.

Nonetheless, the producer has not succeeded in presenting a competitive bid for the championship this season.

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