KTM CEO reveals cost-cutting solution for MotoGP after strongly opposing single-bike rule

After strongly opposing the recent single-bike MotoGP proposal for 2027, KTM believes there are better ways to cut costs without affecting the ‘show’. 

While some manufacturers were in favour of the switch to one bike per rider, the new ruling fell through after KTM pushed back. 

For the new rule to be implemented, all five manufacturers needed to unanimously agree, which did not materialise, according to reports. 

Ducati and Aprilia were said to be in favour of the move to a single-bike, and reportedly came close to convincing KTM, Honda and Yamaha. 

However, KTM believes there are ways to cut costs more effectively, with the company’s CEO, Gottfried Neumeister, a big believer in this being done in ways that are somewhat ‘invisible’ to fans.

The reason for this is clear; KTM wants the ‘show’ that is MotoGP to remain at the centre of the sport and for fans watching, meaning cost-cutting measures should not impact the spectacle, like the single-bike proposal had the potential to do.

One of the areas where Neumeister thinks MotoGP could focus its attention is the imminent switch to 100 per cent sustainable fuel, where one single supplier would have control over the fuel used by every team. 

This would be instead of each manufacturer developing its own fossil fuel solution. 

Speaking at the Red Bull Ring at the recent Austrian MotoGP, Neumeister said: 

“This is something where I have sympathy for Liberty [Media] and Dorna, that it's not only us screaming for more money. As manufacturers, we also need to contribute. We need to also make it a show, we need to do our part, number one. Number two, the cost cap: if you cannot get more money, [it] is a very natural thing.

“I think if you do it in the right way - I'm not trying to create some rumours, but for example, if everybody has the same fuel, I don't think that the people [fans] out there would not enjoy it. What benefit do you lose if you have one fuel supplier and everybody works with the same basis and we are still challenged to squeeze more out of it?”

By developing their own fuel, the chances of costs being higher for each manufacturer are more likely than if one supplier had full control. Neumeister spoke in more detail about this, saying:  

“Everyone is going to need someone [to supply] sustainable fuel, so it's a pain in the ass, it's a headache, [and] it costs a lot of money. So why not streamline something which does not kill the show and that you don't even see?”

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