At the end of September, KTM announced the appointment of Aki Ajo as manager of its factory MotoGP team for 2025, succeeding Francesco Guidotti. The move marks a significant turning point for the Austrian brand, as Ajo, with his extensive experience gained from his own teams in Moto3 and Moto2, brings a renewed vision and seasoned leadership.
When KTM virtual presentation the 30 January Aki Ajo shared his excitement about joining this new adventure. I already know a lot of people on the team, it's a great part of the job." , he said. His connection with the team is not new: many members have already worked with him in his past projects, notably in Moto3 and Moto2.
The pilots Brad Binder et Peter Acosta, who evolved under his wings, complete this picture of familiarity. It helps to know people, especially in the beginning." , added Garlic, emphasizing the importance of mutual trust in a team. In addition, he recalled his past collaborations with Maverick Vinales, thus strengthening his experience with high-level pilots.
For 2025, KTM will line up two teams of MotoGP identical, both sponsored by Red Bull. Acosta et Binder will form a team, while Casa Particular in Viñales et Enea Bastianini will run under the colors of Tech3. This model aims to provide uniformity in resources and to maximize technical efficiency within KTM.
Aki Ajo: “ I share the responsibility of ensuring that things always go in the right direction »
One of the notable changes for Garlic is the expanded role he takes on in this new structure. While in his previous teams he was responsible for all aspects, including technology, he can now count on a broader technical team to support his decisions. The main task of a team manager is to take care of everything on the circuit, including drivers“, He explains.
He adds that his role also involves a lot of communication with the factory, the test teams, the two race teams and management. I share the responsibility of ensuring that things always go in the right direction.", he emphasizes, with the conviction that constant development is the key to success in MotoGP: " As for technical developments, I believe we are well prepared. In this sport, development never stops, we have set in motion good things for the future"
If this new role involves more coordination with managers such as Pete Beirer, competition director at KTM, and Jens Hainbach from technology, Ajo does not see this change as a move away from his personal values. I feel like I have the same bosses as before" he explains, confident in the support of his colleagues to lead the team to new heights.
Aki Ajo is preparing for a tough challenge in MotoGP, but with a well-prepared team and solid plans for the future, he is ready to face this new chapter with the determination that has marked his previous successes.
