KTM’s MotoGP project could be set for a major change

The last 15 months have been a rollercoaster ride for KTM, although with Bajaj Auto completing its takeover of the company in November, the future looks a lot brighter than before.

However, the Austrian company might not be out of its troubled waters just yet, as rumours are linking its major MotoGP sponsor Red Bull with a potential departure in 2027.

It’s important to say that, as of now, it looks as though the Mattighofen-based brand will continue to race in MotoGP beyond this season. KTM was also the first brand to showcase its new 850cc engine, which all MotoGP teams will use in 2027 as part of an extensive regulation change. 

With all of that said, CFMoto reportedly holds a rather large interest in taking KTM’s MotoGP grid slots. In fact, a report from GPOne in November claimed negotiations between the two companies had taken place. 

It’s unclear what, or if, something will come of the talks between CFMoto and KTM’s racing division as we move closer to 2027. However, all of the uncertainty surrounding KTM over the last year or so has certainly not helped it silence the rumours that it could leave MotoGP in the not too distant future.

Now, it looks as though KTM’s title sponsor Red Bull might be eyeing up a partnership with another manufacturer. 

The rumours around Red Bull possibly leaving KTM partially stem from its believed interest in working with Marc Marquez once again, who currently rides for the Monster Energy-backed Lenovo Ducati team. 

Then there’s Pedro Acosta, who so far has been unable to unlock his full potential in MotoGP with KTM. Yes, Acosta currently rides for the factory KTM Red Bull team, but he has been linked with a departure to none other than Ducati, potentially in place of Francesco Bagnaia, if the Italian’s bizarre 2025 struggles continue. 

All of this might be nothing, but we’ve already seen Repsol and Honda end their illustrious 30-year partnership in Grand Prix racing recently. And with Red Bull eager to get back to winning ways, which KTM has struggled to do over the last few campaigns, it’s therefore very conceivable that a break-up could take place.

Photo credit - Gold and Goose

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