KTM at its 2025 MotoGP launch: “We are here to race”

KTM kept away from speaking about its monetary issues on the launch of its 2025 MotoGP bike on Thursday.

Forward of the shakedown take a look at on the Sepang Worldwide Circuit from 31 January to 2 February, the Austrian producer revealed 4 an identical RC16s in a joint presentation with its satellite tv for pc workforce Tech3.

KTM launched a number of movies that had been pre-recorded at a studio, however neither the administration nor its 4 riders talked about the corporate’s battle to tug itself out of administration.

That was regardless of lingering doubts over the long-term way forward for its involvement in MotoGP, amid mounting money owed for KTM and its sister manufacturers.

The corporate owes €2.2 billion to varied collectors, who will vote on a last decision of its insolvency plan on 25 February. Collectors had been placing strain on KTM to withdraw from MotoGP and reduce down prices with a purpose to put itself on a stronger monetary footing.

KTM Motorsport Director Pit Beirer will handle questions concerning the firm’s monetary scenario later within the day, however in the course of the launch he mentioned the main target was firmly on racing.

“There have been many questions however we’ve got been clear for the reason that final day of the 2024 season: we’re right here to race and we’re very severe about success on this unbelievable championship that spreads motorcycling and bike racing to many corners of the world,” he mentioned.

“2025 has began strongly for us with the necessary Dakar victory and in addition profitable in AMA Supercross, now it’s a actual pleasure to current our MotoGP groups and see our bike able to race for the ninth 12 months in a row.

“Competitors is such a giant a part of KTM’s DNA and we’re dedicated. For the approaching season and with Brad, Pedro, Enea and Maverick in addition to all of the expertise and information within the pitboxes there may be quite a lot of positivity and adrenaline to get began.

“This season might be large for us, and I hope will probably be.”

KTM needed to pause the event of the RC16 over winter as the corporate’s deepening monetary woes began taking a toll on its MotoGP programme.

Nonetheless, new workforce supervisor Aki Ajo is assured concerning the firm’s prospects in 2025, a 12 months the place it has strengthened its ties with RC16 to successfully flip it right into a second manufacturing unit workforce.

“We’re enthusiastic concerning the season forward of us,” he mentioned. “We’ve been working arduous in the course of the winter to develop our undertaking and the RC16 to be even quicker and higher than final season.

“Our goal is excessive, however we’re ready to maintain working arduous, and it’s a pleasure to have such expert and devoted individuals within the undertaking, and within the firm.

“Our motivation is excessive, and I consider that we’ve got made some necessary progress to boost our efficiency. We’ve additionally robust and skilled riders, and we’re all very motivated and stay up for the motion of the brand new 2025 season.

“Thanks to all of the workers, companions and the administration and all of the individuals at KTM which have proven huge assist [to the] MotoGP undertaking. We’re able to race.”