For several months, KTM has been working behind the scenes to revolutionize its financial approach in MotoGP. The goal? Reduce its dependence on internal budgets and attract external investors. Pit Beirer, KTM's director of competition, has unveiled this ambitious strategy, which could well redefine the team's future in Grand Prix racing. But is this transition realistic, and above all, at what cost?
Pete Beirer, former motocross world vice-champion, clearly expressed his vision: “ We are not only open to sponsors, as was the case until now, but also to investors"The idea is to reduce the financial burden on the manufacturer while maintaining a competitive presence in MotoGP." If I can reduce the budgets that the manufacturer needs to run MotoGP, then this makes a lot of sense “, he explains.
This approach is directly inspired by the model of the Formula 1, where teams have successfully attracted investors and generated substantial revenues through strategic partnerships. KTM, the objective is clear: " The aim for the manufacturer must be to reduce investment. » But how can this be achieved without compromising performance?
The growing interest of investors in MotoGP is no coincidence. The offer of 4,2 billion euros from Liberty Media to acquire the championship has significantly increased the value of the factory teams. It's always a question of supply and demand. ", said Beirer. " Dorna opened this path for us through the negotiation with Liberty Media. This gave rise to a lot of thinking in the paddock, and investors also contacted us. This ushered in a new era »
Beirer is optimistic about the arrival of an investor as soon as possible the first half of the 2025 season. " An investor is different from a sponsor “, he specifies. " If you have partners at the table who give you money for such a great project, so they get involved. This should also be positive.. » However, he insists that KTM is not looking to sell its MotoGP project, but to find a solid partner to financially support the team while bringing new opportunities.
Pit Beirer: “ Our goal at KTM is not to sell the MotoGP project, but to get a strong partner on board »
The central question remains that of control. You can find an investor from 0 to 100%, then you have to decide how much of that you want to have afterwards. ", Explain BeirerThe goal is to maintain strategic influence while benefiting from the expertise and resources of a financial partner. Our goal is not to sell the MotoGP project, but to get a strong partner on board. »
This collaboration could also help KTM to increase its revenues through sponsorship and to optimize the financial management of the team: " It's about increasing revenue through sponsorship and having a finance professional on our side who helps you organize the team in a different direction, to get to the point where you no longer need an internal budget for a MotoGP project »
All current MotoGP manufacturers have a contract with Dorna until the end 2026. The following period, which will begin in 2027, will also see a revision of the technical regulations. This has developed historically, with MotoGP manufacturers extending their contracts with Dorna every five years. ", explains on speedweek Beirer. " With the five-year contract, Dorna guarantees us technical stability, so we don't have to completely change the bike every three years, etc. Those five years have a significant background »
The question of extending the contracts beyond 2026 remains open. In the last period, the first manufacturers signed the final contract a year in advance and the last ones signed three months before the end of the new year. It is very possible that the contracts were signed last year. »
KTM is at a turning point in its history in MotoGP. By seeking to attract investors, the Austrian manufacturer hopes not only to lighten its internal budget, but also to open up new perspectives for its team. However, this transition is not without risks. Finding the right balance between control and collaboration will be crucial to ensuring the success of this strategy.
Si KTM If he manages to realise this vision, it could mark the beginning of a new era for MotoGP, where factory teams rely more on external partnerships to fund their ambitions.
