KTM's stock price rises with anticipation of new funding

Encouraging developments in KTM's efforts to ensure long-term stability

KTM's chances of overcoming its financial difficulties have improved thanks to growing trust from potential investors in the company's reorganization efforts.

Before Christmas 2024, the largest motorcycle manufacturer in Europe from Austria sought to avoid bankruptcy by entering self-administration, as it struggled with confirmed debts totaling €1.8 billion.

During the initial creditors' meeting on December 20, there was an optimistic perspective regarding the company's future viability. However, the report also mentioned that there would be an "intended" exit from MotoGP.

KTM has announced it intends to remain in the racing circuit through 2025, with an expected departure in 2026, although the circumstances are currently quite unpredictable.

Additional actions that have been implemented include a temporary halt in production, the dismissal of more than 700 workers, and the decision to sell its controlling interest in MV Agusta.

As reported by GPOne, KTM must secure an investment of €540 million by February 25, which is the date set for creditors to vote on the company's restructuring plan.

There is optimism for KTM as it attracts attention from major investors, and its stock price has increased by nearly 70 percent in the past month.

According to GPOne, Bajaj Auto and CFMoto, who currently hold shares in KTM, intend to boost their financial commitment to help preserve the brand. Additionally, Hong Kong's FountainVest has shown interest in investing.

Last month, Stefan Pierer, the CEO of KTM, announced that he plans to utilize his personal funds to assist in the company's restructuring efforts, which will involve the sale of different assets.

Although the considerable interest in investing has offered hope for KTM, it is expected to result in Pierer potentially sacrificing some of his control over the company he established.

KTM might need to scale back on some of its ventures, such as its bicycle division and the KTM XBow car division.

KTM's racing team has been implementing a detailed 100-point strategy to secure its future. Meanwhile, the head of motorsport, Pit Beirer, disclosed that they have engaged in "serious" discussions with Lewis Hamilton's management regarding potential investment opportunities.

In the world of MotoGP, KTM has reduced its participation by withdrawing the GASGAS and Husqvarna brands from the top-tier category, as well as from the Moto2 and Moto3 lineups.

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Prominent F1 drivers face crucial questions in 2025

A trio of leading F1 drivers approach 2025 with significant questions looming.

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Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, and George Russell, who are among the most prominent figures in Formula 1, are all facing the challenge of demonstrating their capabilities in 2025.

Having had varied levels of success in the previous season, each of the three faces uncertainties as they approach the upcoming F1 season.

As the year 2025 approaches, a crucial time for all three, will they be able to prove their critics wrong?

Can Lewis Hamilton Overcome His Qualifying Challenges?

For Lewis Hamilton, the 2024 season fell short of his usual exceptional performance.

Even though he secured two race wins and broke a 945-day dry spell with an outstanding performance at Silverstone, the seven-time world champion ended up in seventh place in the overall championship rankings. This marked the lowest finish in his remarkable 18-year career.

In his last season with Mercedes, Hamilton faced challenges as he was significantly outperformed by his teammate Russell in the qualifying rounds, losing 19-5. Russell also maintained his dominance during the races.

As Hamilton approaches the 2025 season, a major concern is his performance during qualifying laps. Once considered his strongest skill, Hamilton's subpar qualifying efforts in 2024 have led him, the F1 record holder for the most pole positions, to question whether he has lost some of his competitive advantage.

Transitioning to Ferrari, Hamilton encounters a significant challenge as he not only needs to adjust to a new team and vehicle after spending 12 years with Mercedes, but he must also compete against Charles Leclerc, who is considered one of the fastest, if not the fastest, drivers in qualifying laps.

Is it possible for the 40-year-old to quiet the doubters who wonder if he's beyond his prime? Hamilton will definitely face a challenge at Ferrari in 2025.

Title: Can Lando Norris Clinch the F1 Championship?

Lando Norris showcased his skills last season, silencing numerous critics by positioning himself as the nearest contender to Max Verstappen for the championship title.

The year 2024 is set to be a standout season for Norris in Formula 1. He successfully shed the nickname "Lando NoWins" after achieving his first victory in Miami. He went on to secure three more remarkable wins, ultimately securing second place in the championship standings, just behind Verstappen.

The 25-year-old British driver still has a lot to demonstrate as he approaches the 2025 season. Key among the challenges is whether he can eliminate errors and contend for the championship throughout the entire year. Doubts also linger regarding his mental toughness, as Norris often criticizes himself for performances he considers substandard, which some commentators view as a potential flaw.

Norris's aspirations for securing his first world championship were dashed as McLaren began the season at a disadvantage, leading him to fall behind Verstappen. Verstappen clinched his fourth consecutive title with two races remaining. Norris admitted that both he and McLaren made errors the previous year and confessed that he "wasn't prepared" to compete directly with the seemingly unbeatable Verstappen.

McLaren concluded the year 2024 as the leading team, securing their first constructors’ championship since 1998. As they head into the new season, they are regarded as the early frontrunners. If the team from Woking can keep up their current level of performance, Norris is expected to have a car that can compete for victories right from the start.

It remains uncertain if Norris can effectively challenge Verstappen throughout a 24-race season. However, he is certainly not short on confidence, declaring after his victory at the Abu Dhabi finale, "Next year will be my year as well."

Is George Russell poised to take the helm at Mercedes?

The inclusion of Russell's name on this list might come as a shock to some, especially considering his impressive 2024 season and his standout performances when compared to his esteemed former Mercedes teammate, Hamilton.

Nonetheless, Russell is still feeling the heat to deliver results. As the unofficial head of the Mercedes team, he is anticipated to drive the team onward during the period following Hamilton's tenure, working alongside young newcomer Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

Russell is entering the upcoming season without a contract for 2026, putting his future with the team in question. Although Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has consistently emphasized that Russell, along with Antonelli, represents the future of the Silver Arrows, he has also expressed willingness to seize any chance to bring Verstappen on board if such an opportunity presents itself.

Having previously missed out on Verstappen, Wolff is determined not to lose another chance to secure his talents. As a result, Russell must consistently perform at his best to prevent Wolff from pursuing Verstappen any further.

If Mercedes protégé Antonelli isn't decisively outperformed from the start, it could raise questions for Wolff and possibly threaten Russell's position, which currently seems unimaginable.

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Lewis frequently travels worldwide to cover Grands Prix events for Crash.net. By providing on-the-spot reports, Lewis shares the narratives of key figures in the racing industry.

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EXCLUSIVE – Joan Mir on Pedro Acosta's Future in MotoGP: "Victory Is Inevitable"

"His skills and natural ability make it inevitable. It's just a question of when."

Securing a podium finish in just his second MotoGP race and subsequently taking the lead before finishing second in Austin, Pedro Acosta quickly became the favorite among many to surpass Marc Marquez as the youngest winner in the premier class of racing.

Acosta, in his debut season with GASGAS Tech3, had a deadline until the German Grand Prix in July to surpass Marquez's 2013 achievement of securing a MotoGP victory by the age of 20 years and 63 days.

However, it did not occur prior to or following the Sachsenring event.

Acosta's opportunities for wins were often lost due to unexpected events and mishaps. Nevertheless, he stood out as the sole KTM competitor to secure multiple podium finishes last season, achieving this feat five times on Sundays.

Despite his efforts, he was unable to secure fifth place and the highest honor among non-Ducati riders, falling behind his future KTM team-mate Brad Binder in the final race in Barcelona.

2020 MotoGP titleholder Joan Mir commended Acosta's performance over the season and emphasized that a win is inevitable.

"Mir expressed to Crash.net that Pedro is performing excellently."

Being competitive across all circuits is a challenging task, and Pedro demonstrated remarkable speed at every track, which is truly impressive.

"Likely, the Ducatis have a notable lead in performance, which certainly didn't assist him in achieving his initial win."

"However, it's on its way… He's absorbing a great deal and his speed is remarkable."

It doesn't shock me that he didn't clinch victory – however, had he secured a win, that wouldn't have astonished me either, given his skill and capability.

"It's only a question of when."

Mir secured his initial MotoGP victory en route to claiming the global championship in his sophomore year in the top tier.

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Belgian Grand Prix to Rotate on F1 Schedule Under New Agreement

The Belgian Grand Prix will now alternate its position on the Formula 1 calendar following the extension of its contract.

The Belgian Grand Prix is set to become part of a rotating schedule on the Formula 1 calendar, following a new multi-year agreement extension.

The renowned Spa-Francorchamps racetrack had a contract set to end in 2025, but it has now confirmed its continuation into 2026 and the years following. This agreement follows a series of recent temporary contracts.

Belgium is set to join the rotational schedule and will feature on the Formula 1 calendar for four out of the next six seasons.

The Spa circuit is set to hold Formula 1 races in the years 2026, 2027, 2029, and 2031, but it will not feature in the 2028 and 2030

In recent years, the circuit has benefited from substantial new funding, leading to the construction of two additional grandstands. These expansions have boosted the venue's capacity by 10,000 seats.

Formula 1's CEO, Stefano Domenicali, remarked that the Belgian Grand Prix was among the original races when the Championship began in 1950. As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, it is appropriate to announce this significant contract extension.

The Spa-Francorchamps circuit is widely celebrated by both drivers and enthusiasts as one of the top racing tracks globally. It has been the backdrop for numerous remarkable events throughout its long history in Formula 1.

"Over the past few years, substantial efforts have been made to enhance the venue and elevate the fan experience. I want to acknowledge the promoter and the Wallonia Government for their committed and enthusiastic backing of Formula 1 in Belgium."

Pierre-Yves Jeholet, who serves as the Vice President of the Walloon Government and also holds the position of Minister of the Economy, expressed his pleasure by stating: "I am thrilled that the Belgian Grand Prix, a significant event for Wallonia, has secured its place on the Formula 1 schedule for the upcoming years."

The racetrack offers the area top-notch sports facilities that can accommodate world-class events. With the FIA Formula 1 World Championship taking place, Spa-Francorchamps, along with the Wallonia region, gains significant global visibility. Besides serving as an international platform, the event also brings substantial economic advantages to Wallonia and Belgium as a whole.

"The long-term continuation of this partnership will enable the circuit teams to strategize for the future, which is highly beneficial."

Melchior Wathelet, who serves as the President of Spa Grand Prix, and Vanessa Maes, the Chief Executive Officer of Spa Grand Prix, expressed their pride in the extension. They stated that the renewal signifies the strong mutual trust that has developed as they have enhanced their facilities and achieved record-breaking attendance alongside providing an exceptional experience for fans in recent years.

The renewal of this contract has been achieved with the aid of the Walloon Government and the dedicated fans of what we consider the world's most stunning circuit. Collectively, we are deepening our dedication to advancing our remarkable region.

Additional races on a rotational basis in Europe

At present, it remains uncertain which other races will be included in the rotational schedule, though it is anticipated that these will primarily be other European races.

This aligns with Formula 1's goal to expand the sport into various markets, while still preserving the historic and traditional races of the world championship.

The Formula 1 schedule already includes a demanding total of 24 races, which is the maximum allowed by the present Concorde agreement.

Recently, Domenicali suggested that races on a rotating schedule could be introduced to the sport's calendar in the future.

During a call with Liberty Media investors, Domenicali mentioned that they will be announcing some news shortly about the potential for rotational European Grand Prix events and additional new possibilities in the mid-term future.

"We will certainly address this matter in due time. It's accurate to say that there's significant interest from potential new venues wishing to join us. Our decision will always weigh the financial advantages for our overall system against the opportunities for market expansion that could further boost our business growth."

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EXCLUSIVE: Davide Brivio Reveals Insights into Trackhouse and Aprilia Partnership

"We exchange ideas on enhancements and potential improvements…"

Trackhouse Racing's team leader, Davide Brivio, has praised the partnership between the MotoGP squad and Aprilia, highlighting that there exists "complete collaboration".

Since the 2023 season, Aprilia has operated with a satellite setup after partnering with RNF, which was acquired by the American team Trackhouse the previous season due to the disbandment of the latter.

Trackhouse achieved a podium finish in a sprint race in Germany and secured their top grand prix placement of sixth at the Catalan Grand Prix, despite setbacks including injuries and a mid-season motorcycle change for Raul Fernandez, which led to the team ending up ninth in the overall rankings.

Nevertheless, the partnership between Trackhouse and Aprilia has grown even stronger, with Fernandez and newcomer Ai Ogura set to receive top-of-the-line factory motorcycles in 2025.

Upon entering MotoGP, Trackhouse aspired to establish a partnership with Aprilia similar to Pramac's collaboration with Ducati, which was set to continue until the close of 2024.

Brivio, upon coming back to MotoGP last year alongside the team owned by Justin Marks, commented on the partnership between Trackhouse and Aprilia during a conversation with Crash.net, stating, "Absolutely, we maintain a strong connection with Aprilia."

"To begin with, we possess identical motorcycles, and particularly in 2025, we are set to embark anew with the very same equipment and motorcycles directly from the factory.

"This already demonstrates the relationship and engagement through evidence."

"In any case, our relationship with Aprilia was quite intimate; we exchanged numerous insights, deliberated over choices, and similar matters."

"Clearly, being an autonomous group means we have freedom in specific areas."

"We exchange thoughts, provide feedback, and discuss enhancements and potential improvements."

"Therefore, I believe we share a strong bond and complete collaboration with them."

"Moreover, I believe it's advantageous for Aprilia to partner with an independent team, as it provides additional information and data. Thus far, it's proving to be effective."

Trackhouse is set to kick off its 2025 campaign from its headquarters in Charlotte, USA, on January 14, making history as the initial team to reveal its updated color scheme. During the off-season, it revealed a fresh collaboration with Gulf.

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KTM MotoGP's chief elaborates on the decision to appoint a new team manager

Aki Ajo is set to join the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing squad in 2025, taking over from Francesco Guidotti.

For the 2025 season, KTM will see a change in its team leadership, as Aki Ajo takes over the position formerly occupied by Francesco Guidotti.

This decision was made following two consecutive seasons where KTM failed to secure a Grand Prix victory; in fact, in 2024, they were unable to claim victory in both a Grand Prix and a Sprint.

"I wouldn't want to come off as harsh in stating this, but it truly pleases me that Francesco [Guidotti] is parting ways with KTM on good terms," KTM's motorsport director Pit Beirer expressed to MotoGP.com.

"Regrettably, our efforts fell short of achieving the desired outcomes due to various minor factors."

Beirer highlighted the reason for selecting Ajo, who has been at the helm of KTM's premier teams in the Moto3 division from the start in 2012, and has led its Moto2 squad since KTM entered the category in 2017, was due to the Finnish team leader's approach to managing riders in both the intermediate and lightweight divisions throughout the years.

"Beirer mentioned that they chose Aki [Ajo] due to his close work relationship with the riders, believing he has the capacity to offer valuable guidance about track strategies."

"Please understand, we're not under the illusion that Aki is going to fix every issue we face. However, by combining what's lacking – essentially, creating a more advanced system domestically, and ensuring the cyclists contribute their part precisely when needed – it goes beyond just the contributions of the riders.

Additionally, it involves strategic team coordination, such as deciding the optimal time for qualifying runs, timing the laps, and managing various logistical details.

"Our conviction is that Aki could well be among the top contenders in this field, consistently demonstrating a knack for cultivating champions on our behalf."

"Brad Binder and Pedro Acosta are both familiar with him and are excited about the collaboration. He has previously led them to victory, so we believe Aki can provide the additional push necessary to shave off those crucial tenths of a second we're chasing."

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Johann Zarco 'anticipated feeling more downcast' as his initial MotoGP season with Honda concluded

"Turned out to be more optimistic than I had foreseen"

LCR's Johann Zarco confessed he anticipated feeling more disappointed than he ultimately did at the conclusion of his inaugural MotoGP season with Honda.

The rider, who has tasted victory once in MotoGP, transitioned from the top-performing Ducati to sign a two-year deal with Honda. Starting in 2024, he will compete under the LCR team banner.

Discover more: Honda's Awakening: Identifying Its MotoGP Vanguard in 2024

Despite clinching a victory in 2023, Honda faced a significant downturn in performance throughout the season, culminating in the departure of Marc Marquez who moved to the Gresini Ducati team by season's end due to the motorcycle's disappointing performance.

Despite 2024 marking Honda's third year without a victory in the past five seasons, Zarco stood out as the team's top performer, particularly shining during the latter half of the season.

Frequently a strong competitor in Q2, Zarco achieved Honda's highest finish of the year, securing eighth place in Thailand, demonstrating his ability to capitalize on several updates to the motorcycle.

He concluded the year as the highest-ranked Honda rider, finishing 17th in the overall standings with 55 points.

Looking back at his inaugural year with HRC, Zarco confesses that he anticipated being more disappointed with his season's outcome than he currently is.

"Reflecting on the season's conclusion last November in Barcelona, Zarco expressed that it exceeded his expectations, stating, 'It’s more positive than what I expected, if I have to analyse this end of the season.'"

"Moreover, my emotions have shifted. A year ago, I believed I would have felt sadder, but surprisingly, I find myself much happier than anticipated."

"That's positive. It all started when my performance in Indonesia improved, followed by my ability to consistently achieve similar outcomes, which then allowed me to refine my riding technique."

"This effort was yielding results on the field, which boosted my confidence that I've unlocked fresh opportunities. I'm convinced I can become significantly stronger by exploring these novel aspects."

Zarco will continue to race for LCR in the 2025 season, maintaining a consistent team framework for Honda, as its main squad, featuring Joan Mir and Luca Marini, remains unchanged.

Somkiat Chantra will advance from Moto2 to occupy the second LCR position next to Zarco in his debut season, taking over from Takaaki Nakagami.

Nakagami has transitioned to Honda's testing squad, joining forces with Aleix Espargaro.

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EXCLUSIVE – Jack Miller: “I still have much to offer the world of racing…”

Yamaha is working tirelessly to regain their competitive edge in MotoGP.

"I'm at a standstill. The phone isn't ringing, and I might end up going home early for a shower."

Jack Miller expressed his concerns about his future in MotoGP upon his return from the summer break at Silverstone last August.

Luckily for the 29-year-old, a call finally came through.

The phone call came from Miller's old team, Pramac, as they aimed to have the Australian racer join Miguel Oliveira in their new Yamaha project, now supported by the factory.

In a conversation with Crash.net towards the end of the season, Miller explained that they were making significant efforts to remain in MotoGP, although for a while, the situation seemed bleak.

"Luckily, we have this chance, and I'm incredibly driven and eager to seize it fully and transform it into something remarkable."

"I believe I have much more to contribute to the sport. I don't think I've achieved my full potential yet, and this opportunity allows me to start fresh and work towards rebuilding."

Miller's career in grand prix racing has faced uncertainty on multiple occasions, dating back to his initial days in the 125cc class when he struggled financially.

However, the Australian rider, who was fast-tracked into MotoGP after competing for the 2014 Moto3 championship, never gave in.

"I've been incredibly lucky," remarked the racer who has clinched victory in four MotoGP races. He gestured towards the television screen in the Red Bull KTM hospitality area, where footage from his early career was being broadcast.

"They've been showing these replays all day, and having been part of MotoGP for almost a decade and still maintaining some level of competitiveness is a great source of satisfaction for me. It's beyond what I ever expected."

"There are definitely challenging times, one might say. However, the most important lesson I have learned is to persist and not quit."

"I'll keep working hard and consistently push myself to achieve my best."

During his second and concluding season with Red Bull KTM, Miller faced constant issues with chatter, ultimately finishing 14th in the world championship, with his best race finishes being fifth place.

Yamaha is working extremely hard to regain their competitive edge. According to Miller, Yamaha is putting in significant effort, with their top rider, Fabio Quartararo, finishing just slightly ahead of Miller in the world championship rankings last year.

Miller was unable to provide any comments after his first appearance with Pramac Yamaha during the Barcelona test in November because of his contract with KTM.

Before the event, he expressed a strong interest in testing the newest model of a machine that, back in his first MotoGP season in 2015, had won the prestigious triple crown for riders, teams, and manufacturers.

"The motorcycle has an interesting background, and its fundamental structure is impressive," stated Miller.

"In recent years, they've faced some challenges, but back when I began my MotoGP career, that was the motorcycle everyone aspired to ride."

Newcomers, such as Zarco, Jonas Folger, and Fabio Quartararo, were also reaching the podium. Franky Morbidelli was among them too. That motorcycle was exceptionally powerful.

"They have indeed faced challenges in recent years due to the current aero designs and ride-height systems in MotoGP."

"I think they're putting in a lot of effort to close the gap. Despite the fact that these 'add-ons' related to ride height will only be around for a few more years, they're not being complacent and assuming everything will be fine by 2027."

"They're working extremely hard to reach their goal."

"I commend them for their efforts and for introducing a second team to the lineup once more. The absence of four bikes likely held them back, so this move is definitely a positive development."

Miller, instrumental in designing ride-height mechanisms and aerodynamics during his time with Ducati, highlighted that building a competitive MotoGP bike doesn't have an easy solution.

"If it were just one issue, Yamaha would have likely resolved it," he explained. "It's really a combination of factors, such as the management of the tyres or the ride-height mechanism."

"The impact that ride height devices have had on racing has exceeded all expectations. Some manufacturers have achieved incredible results with these systems. Additionally, the aerodynamic elements have also played a significant role."

Miller believes that Japanese manufacturers anticipated that ride-height devices would be banned sooner, which helped the Europeans gain an advantage.

"It seems they expected to be banned before 2027, so they didn't find it necessary to use them right away. However, it's now clear that these have been in existence for quite some time."

"The situation was similar with the winglets. Initially, we believed they had been banned. However, eventually, a method was discovered to circumvent that regulation."

"It's astonishing to observe the current aerodynamic designs of the rear sections of bikes. Allocating a significant portion of your budget to this aspect is a major undertaking."

When questioned about whether he thinks MotoGP manufacturers will discover ways around the upcoming ban on ride-height adjustments, similar to how wing designs have progressed, Miller responded:

"It's difficult to predict, but I wouldn't find it shocking."

"We believed the wings were gone, but unexpectedly, they started coming back, and now they're more noticeable than before."

Miller is set to be formally introduced as a Pramac Yamaha racer at a combined event with the factory Monster team, scheduled for January 31 in Kuala Lumpur.

Thanks to the allowances granted to Yamaha and Honda, Miller can participate in the Sepang Shakedown beginning on January 31 and the Official MotoGP test scheduled for February 5-7.

In its efforts to regain its leading position in MotoGP, Yamaha is working on a V4 engine in addition to its current Inline engine. This makes Miller's knowledge of the V4 engines from Honda, Ducati, and KTM particularly beneficial.

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For two decades, Peter has been a part of the paddock scene, witnessing Valentino Rossi's career from beginning to end. He is currently closely following the developments surrounding Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's ongoing injury challenges.

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Marc Marquez: Switch to Ducati Team Offers Strong Advantages for Championship Bid

The eight-time world champion sets sights on MotoGP 2025 success

Marc Marquez states that joining the official Ducati squad has provided him with "two excellent opportunities" to pursue additional MotoGP championships.

The 31-year-old rider from Spain is back as a factory rider for Ducati, after spending a year racing with the Gresini satellite team.

Marquez's tenure at Gresini played a crucial role in him regaining his competitive edge, which had been diminished by injuries and the Honda team’s struggles to remain competitive.

Securing victories in three grand prix races and securing a spot on the factory team Ducati for 2025, Marquez has often mentioned that his time with Gresini in 2024 enabled him to experience a resurgence.

In a recent conversation with TVE, Marquez, who has been a part of the Ducati factory team since January 1, shares his expectations for the 2025 racing season.

"2025 and 2026 are set to be two highly promising years," he was reported as saying by Marca.

"It's uncertain whether these will be our final attempts, but they stand as two strong opportunities to compete for the championship, given we're part of the top team and we're committed to giving it our all."

"However, before anything else, there's a pre-season to tackle, but undoubtedly, there's always excitement at the beginning."

"Accidents are inevitable in our sport, but my hope is that no one gets hurt."

"Then, regarding my objective, it's clear that my ambition is to contend for the world championship up until the final races."

Marquez had his first outing with the factory Ducati team at the post-season testing in Barcelona last November, where he took the GP24 and GP25 for a spin after spending the 2024 season on the GP23.

His advancement to the primary Ducati team occurred as reigning world champion Jorge Martin, representing the brand, shifted to Aprilia.

In 2025, Pramac will transition to using Yamaha equipment due to Ducati's reversal of their initial intention to elevate Martin.

Ducati and Marquez are set to reveal the 2025 Desmosedici's paint scheme on January 20th during their season kickoff celebration in Italy.

During the off-season, Marquez announced his departure from his long-standing personal sponsor, Red Bull, in line with his transition to the Monster Energy-sponsored Ducati team.

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Pedro Acosta remains unfazed by KTM's unclear MotoGP prospects

The 20-year-old shows no worry over KTM's economic troubles

Pedro Acosta has provided a composed response regarding his feelings amidst the ambiguity surrounding KTM's future in MotoGP, stating that it "doesn't impact" him.

The Austrian company is currently facing a monetary emergency, leading it to undergo a reorganization effort to avoid insolvency.

The company's liabilities are believed to surpass €3 billion, yet a recent meeting with creditors has provided a cautiously optimistic outlook for the brand's future.

Further Reading: If KTM Acquisition Occurs, MotoGP is Advised to Welcome F1 Star Hamilton

The court has given the green light for the restructuring process to proceed, and external investors have shown interest, committing to invest up to €700 million.

In a recent interview with Speedweek, KTM's head of motorsport, Pit Beirer, revealed that the brand had engaged in serious discussions with the management team of seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton regarding a potential investment.

The future of KTM in MotoGP continues to be unclear.

KTM has announced its intention to continue competing until 2025, but during the initial meeting with creditors, it was revealed that there is a scheduled plan to exit grand prix racing by 2026.

This has sparked rumors regarding what lies ahead for KTM's racers, especially Acosta, the breakout star of 2024, who clinched nine podium finishes in his first season with the GASGAS-endorsed Tech3 team.

He moves to join KTM's official team with Brad Binder, having signed a long-term deal for the year 2025.

Albert Valera, who manages Acosta, expressed his concerns during an appearance on the 'Por Orejas' podcast. He stated, "Back in May, we entered into a partnership with a firm that appeared robust and poised to take on Ducati. Now, the scenario has completely transformed, leaving us questioning the turn of events."

However, during a Pont Grup event, Acosta has taken steps to soothe the atmosphere.

He is quoted by Marca expressing his satisfaction, saying, "Making it to the official team was our initial goal, and I'm thrilled to have achieved that."

"The aim is to refine specific aspects of the motorcycle and achieve steady performance in competitions to strive for superior outcomes."

He further stated, "Our operations remain unaffected by KTM's present circumstances, and I am confident they will overcome this phase."

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Mercedes reveals a 'revolutionary' partnership with Adidas, following a major brand transition

Adidas steps in to replace competitor Puma as the new apparel partner for the Mercedes F1 team.

The Mercedes Formula 1 team has revealed a long-term collaboration with Adidas, who will now serve as their new apparel partner.

The German athletic apparel company is set to join Formula 1 in partnership with Mercedes starting in the 2025 season, concluding the Silver Arrows' former sponsorship agreement with competitor Puma.

Adidas is set to craft and produce a comprehensive collection that blends both functionality and fashion for the whole team, encompassing drivers, mechanics, and engineers.

Mercedes claims that this collaboration will pioneer advancements in a sport where every millisecond counts.

Mercedes has also announced that the uniquely crafted team gear will be accessible for purchase by supporters too.

The collaboration will also feature a range of clothing, shoes, and accessories specifically tailored and crafted for fans of the team and its drivers.

The agreement secures a prominent new partner for Adidas following the loss of its prestigious sponsorship deal with the German national football team. American company Nike is set to assume control of the agreement starting in 2027, in a move that has sparked debate.

An agreement to pioneer a new path

Adidas' chief, Bjorn Gulden, expressed his enthusiasm about reentering the motorsport arena, stating, "We're thrilled to return to the motorsport scene. The fascination with motorsport, especially Formula 1, has significantly increased. It's captivating new audiences and profoundly impacts both the sports and streetwear scenes.

"We are thrilled to announce the integration of the Three Stripes as an Official Team Partner with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team – a team renowned for its unparalleled success in the sport."

"United by our love for velocity, creativity, and excellence, we are committed to backing our racers and the crew in their quest to exceed boundaries on the racetrack. Beyond the racetrack, we aim to revitalize the sport with innovative lifestyle products, attracting a new wave of enthusiasts."

"We are excited to back Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 and to achieve victories as a team."

Mercedes team leader Toto Wolff characterized the move to Adidas as a "definitive declaration of our ambitions as we embark on a new phase for our team."

"Adidas stands as a legendary label, embodying our commitment to not just top-tier performance but also to elegance and class," he further stated.

"This declaration thus signifies a pioneering partnership that will transform the understanding of team and fan apparel within our sport."

"We're thrilled to embark on this new journey and collaborate with adidas, as we jointly aim to compete for global championships."

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Lewis frequently covers Grands Prix worldwide for Crash.net. Reporting directly from the events, Lewis shares the narratives of key figures in the sport.

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Christian Horner quashes rumors of Max Verstappen leaving Red Bull, citing a steadfast commitment from the driver.

Red Bull chief Christian Horner is adamant that Max Verstappen has no intention of departing from the Formula 1 squad.

Despite being under contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028, there has been much discussion and conjecture regarding the career prospects of Verstappen, who has clinched the world championship title on four occasions.

Throughout the previous year, Red Bull faced numerous challenges away from the racing circuit, leading to speculation about Verstappen's loyalty to the team. Additionally, there was significant speculation about Verstappen potentially moving to Mercedes, as Toto Wolff openly expressed interest in him as a possible successor to Lewis Hamilton.

Contrary to speculation, Verstappen has affirmed his commitment to staying with Red Bull, expressing satisfaction with the team that has helped him secure all four of his world championships since 2021.

In a conversation with Motorsport, Red Bull's team principal, Horner, emphasized that there was never any uncertainty regarding Verstappen's continuation with the team.

"Max has consistently been transparent with the team," Horner stated. "His dedication has never faltered. He takes pleasure in the company of those he trusts and collaborates with, and he truly appreciates being a member of this team.

Certainly, given his skill level, it's natural that he'd be at the top of every team leader's holiday gift list. That's unavoidable.

"However, if we manage to keep supplying him with a high-performance vehicle and maintain an atmosphere he loves to race in, I can't envision him wanting to be anywhere else."

During the previous season's Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia, Verstappen hinted at the possibility of leaving Red Bull should his advisor Helmut Marko be ousted from his position following the controversy that involved Horner at the season's outset.

In response to inquiries regarding Verstappen's remarks in Saudi Arabia, Horner stated: "Actually, Helmut hasn't departed nor is he planning to leave, therefore, I believe that Max understands… he acknowledges the importance of the team, and that's truly what he has fostered throughout this time.

"When your vehicle isn't performing up to expectations, it's crucial that your pitstops are solid, your strategy is sound, your reliability is unquestionable, and you're making the correct choices at the pivotal times."

Operations continue as usual for Horner

Amidst accusations related to his conduct towards a female staff member, Horner's career prospects and the ensuing internal conflicts and instability within Red Bull have been subjects of discussion.

After a thorough examination carried out by an external attorney, Horner, who consistently refuted the claims against him, was found not guilty of any misconduct. The female complainant's challenge to the findings of the investigation was rejected.

Horner maintains that the dispute hasn't influenced his management of the team.

"He mentioned that the moment you cross the red line into the garage, you're immediately cut off from the paddock's clamor. Crossing that boundary means everything returns to usual operations," he stated.

My position continues to stay the same, in that it encompasses a wide range of responsibilities. As someone who is often present at the racetrack, I serve as the team principal for a top-tier sports team. Additionally, from Monday through Friday, I hold the role of CEO for three tech companies focusing on chassis, engine, and cutting-edge technology.

"Thus, everything remains the same, it's business as usual."

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Lewis frequently covers Grands Prix worldwide for Crash.net. By reporting directly from the events, he shares the narratives of the key figures in the racing community.

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