Too experienced to be surprised, Carmelo Ezpeleta isn't expecting miracles. While KTM has just been saved from bankruptcy by its Indian partner Bajaj Auto, the Dorna boss remains on alert. While the Austrian brand has bought time, there's no guarantee it will continue its commitment to MotoGP until its contract expires in 2027.
The warning signs are there: the creditors of KTM have been demanding his withdrawal from the championship for months, while Bajaj, now in a position of strength, considers the costs of MotoGP, estimated at 50 million euros per year, to be exorbitant. If KTM decided to withdraw, it would mean four fewer bikes on the grid, just the year that Liberty Medium will take command of the MotoGPA nightmare for the image… that Ezpeleta will not let happen.
The boss of the Dorna has already marked the ground: the racing team KTM is an independent legal entity, based in Switzerland, and not affected by the restructuring. Translation: KTM can leave the industrial scene without its motorcycles disappearing from the championship. Red Bull could thus take over the reins, similar to what was done in Formula 1. And behind them, the investors approached by Pete Beirer could guarantee the transition until 2027, while waiting for a manufacturer like BMW, Kawasaki ou Suzuki take over.
Hervé Poncharal prepares a backup plan for Tech3 without KTM
Would only one team be saved? That's the most realistic hypothesis. And with that in mind, Hervé Poncharal is already preparing a contingency plan for Tech3, which could find itself sidelined if KTM only keeps one teamThe French manager has started talks to switch to Yamaha , who would seek to align a second satellite team… and take advantage of it to finally recruit Enea Bastianini, who is currently piloting for Tech3-KTM.
The contract of bastianini contains an exit clause linked to its team leader Alberto Giribuola. However, the latter could perfectly follow the Italian pilot towards a structure Yamaha si KTM came to disengage. Better: Yamaha would also be willing to return to Moto3, taking over the space left vacant by KTM.
Conclusion? The Austrian brand may have bought time, but the threat of an early withdrawal is very real. And as always, Ezpeleta anticipates.
