Let's talk MotoGP: KTM is developing too many young people?

This is a question you would never think to seriously ask.. Aren't KTM and Red Bull, incubators of motorsport talent, doing too much? Is this a good or bad thing for the balance of the Grands Prix? Analysis in several points.

This article is the last in a triptych which presents the renewal of the MotoGP ecosystem. In order to understand the ins and outs of this analysis, we strongly recommend that you read the first two chapters. Namely the theoretical explanation and the obvious problem that a poor environmental balance poses (click here), as well as the obstruction of the transfer market that the phenomenon favors (click here).

This third part will be different, because it will present the pros and cons of the policy employed by KTM and Red BulL. We have absolutely nothing against these Austrian brands, quite the contrary, but the team's situation perfectly crystallizes the third issue linked to the poor balance of the MotoGP grid: the growing role of academies.

I) KTM fulfills its role, nothing more

Finally, what do we blame KTM for? Indeed, there are many criticisms regarding the exploitation of new talents, most of whom have passed through the Moto3 and Moto2 teams. In reality, it is, as is often the case in the history of motor sports, the so-called corporate aspect of the approach which bothers observers.

We imagine KTM but especially Red Bull, through its actions in Formula 1 (we will discuss this later) as big companies hungry for talent, which would sacrifice any driver at the slightest misstep. The reality is quite different. In fact, KTM presents itself as a company very involved in motorcycles, not just on the track either. Racing is definitely in the brand's DNA, it's no longer even up for discussion. For Red Bull, it's the same thing. Often criticized, the firm offered a real revival in the sporting landscape in general, motor sports being favored by pundits like the late Dietrich Mateschitz.

 

 

Yes, KTM is constantly looking for the new nugget, and largely takes advantage of its influence in small categories to create “careers”. But isn’t that the best way to move forward? Let's start again. Over the last few years, Brad Binder, Miguel Oliveira, Peter Acosta, Augusto & Raúl Fernández et Remy gardner represent the project and the idea we have of it. All of them are very good riders, and KTM is absolutely right to develop them.

No one is stopping other brands from doing the same. KTM participates in leveling up because it is, from a completely objective point of view, the most efficient way to win. The example of Formula 1, where the Red Bull academy (like all the other teams involved, unlike MotoGP) has been developing talent for almost 15 years is glaring.

Is it KTM's fault that Honda can't even compete in Moto3 anymore? There were only three Japanese women in the top 10 in 2022. The last driver's title on a winged machine dates back to 2019 thanks to Lorenzo Dalla Porta, also abandoned to Italtrans Racing Team in Moto2. Can we blame Ajo for being so strong in Moto2, when all the top bikes are identical? Leveling down is quite dangerous, not only in motorcycle sports either. The others just have to do better, and the Austrians can't do anything about it. Thus, KTM's approach is not blameworthy.

II) Yes… but

However, this deliberately radical opinion represents only part of the subject. Because if this model is the best, without possible dispute, this is certainly not the case for the discipline. In Formula 1, Red Bull treats its drivers in a questionable manner according to Pierre Gasly. We have seen, on several occasions, promotions like oustings in the middle of the season. Whether we like it or not, it is this phenomenon that upsets the balance. This leads to a permanent search for the new prodigy, even if it means pushing out strong drivers who do not exactly meet the criteria.

 

 

Please note: We are not saying that this is what KTM is doing at the moment. But two distinct elements should raise alarm. First, the Remy Gardner case. After only one year at the highest level, the 2 Moto2021 world champion must already find a ride in WSBK for 2023. A situation which inevitably saddens all Grand Prix fans, including certain pilots. Second, the signing of Jack Miller within the official team. Miller is a strong driver, but perfect in a second driver role (we dedicated an entire analysis to this subject). It’s as if, with Binder, KTM had found its “Max Verstappen”. There is little chance that Miller will challenge the South African for an entire season.

These two actions tend towards the “Formula 1” model, which, for the sustainability of a sport, is not optimal. F1 closes, delivers longer and longer contracts to the nuggets on which it has bet, and the young people who are coming up, all too strong, can no longer express themselves.

Conclusion:

KTM is right to promote talent. Moreover, Albert Arenas arrives at Ajo in Moto2 for the 2023 season, and there is no doubt that he will be competitive. In principle, it is a good thing to develop future pilots, especially since the Austrian firm only offers good equipment for its men. Being part of the KTM family is a privilege, but you just have to know what you're getting into; an efficient environment but for an indefinite period. If KTM has a history, the case Arnaud Vincent, sacked in the middle of the 2003 season, eight months after a 125cc world champion title, and more recently the handling of the Gardner case, no one puts a knife to the throats of the drivers by asking them to sign the contract.

However, and as is often the case in life, the search for the efficiency of the element is opposed to the good of the whole.. The renewal of the MotoGP environment takes a hit, but KTM only wants the result. You can't blame them for wanting to win. DORNA must be able to limit these actions, and will have to find solutions in the near future in order to definitively deny the Formula 1 model.

These three articles do not target any manufacturer, because all are responsible for a proven change. But the sustainability of the MotoGP ecosystem will certainly depend on the treatment of this issue by the highest authorities in the years to come.

What do you think of KTM and its sports program? Tell us in the comments!

 

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport