The earthquake feared by the MotoGP paddock has just struck: Bajaj Auto now owns 74,9% of Pierer Mobility, KTM's parent company, and has established itself as the new dominant player behind the orange brand. But while the deal saves KTM from financial ruin, it opens a period of turbulence in the racing department, the outcome of which no one—not the riders, not the fans, not the paddock—can predict. And one question is on everyone's lips: KTM's future in MotoGP.
After a colossal investment of 800 million euros to bring PIERER Mobility out of receivership, Bajaj has taken control. The new entity PIERER Bajaj AG will soon become Bajaj Auto International Holdings AG.
But amidst the euphoria of the figures, one detail is deeply troubling: Rajiv bajaj did not confirm that he would maintain the 60 million euros annually necessary for the MotoGP program. Worse, he reportedly confided that he wanted halve KTM's costs.
In a paddock where money decides who survives, this sounds like a warning.
According to GP One, Bajaj reportedly set the sale price for the KTM MotoGP team at 100 million.
A price deemed "exorbitant" given the 2025 results — KTM has not won in dry conditions since 2021 and remains in the middle of the pack this season.
This price, coupled with the potential disengagement of BajajThis raises doubts: does he really want to keep KTM In MotoGP? Or is he preparing a strategic resale?
Bajaj is playing the card of leaving the KTM team
The 2025 season was tough: no wins, Peter Acosta Fourth in the championship — an achievement, but not enough to salvage the situation. Brad Binder 11th, his worst ranking since his debut, zero podium finishes, and a motorcycle that has reached its technical limits.
Dance what contexts, Bajaj One might consider that MotoGP does not offer a sufficient return on investment. And that's where the speculation really takes off.
On November 11, a delegation CFMoto a group of 10 members visited Munderfing, in the heart of the factory KTM MotoGP.
Officially? Nothing is signed. Unofficially? The paddock is already talking about a serious rapprochement. CFMoto — already present in Moto2 and Moto3 — dreams of access to the premier class. And KTM would be their royal gateway.
The fans believe it: CFMoto will finally be able to buy them back and continue their development »
Another name keeps coming up, and that's... Red BullThe Austrian brand had already considered a takeover when KTM was in receivership.
At the time, the price ranged between 56 and 112 million euros. Today? Bajaj wants 100 million euros. Some fans think Red Bull should make a move.
« 100 to 200 million euros is a drop in the ocean for them. They have F1 expertise. »
But there is no indication that Red Bull want — or be able — to become more involved in MotoGP where their financial involvement is already considerable.
Then, the wildest speculations arise. Some imagine BMWwho has hesitated for years to come to MotoGP, Kawasaki ou Suzuki, already somewhat withdrawn but attracted by a turnkey project, and even… Maverick Viñales, already a KTM shareholder via his factory 2025 contract.
One truth is undeniable: the future of KTM MotoGP no longer depends on Mattighofen. With Bajaj at the helm, the stakes are now economic, strategic, industrial, and above all, political.
MotoGP is expensive, very expensive — and Bajaj does not yet seem convinced that the investment is worthwhile.
One thing is certain: the future of KTM The future of MotoGP has never been so uncertain. And the coming months could define one of the most important turning points in the modern history of the premier class.
