MotoGP News: KTM's Game-Changing Strategy with Tech3 'Very Clever' Move - Insider

Alex Harrington | Jul 28, 2024

Apr 13, 2024; Austin, TX, USA; Brad Binder (33) of South Africa and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rides during practice for the MotoGP Grand Prix of the Americas at Circuit of The Americas. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

As the 2025 MotoGP season slowly approaches, KTM has unveiled a strategic overhaul of its team structure, sparking significant industry buzz. The reorganization allows unprecedented flexibility in moving riders between the Factory Red Bull KTM team and the Tech3 team, offering both groups equal machinery and support. This change effectively extends KTM's capabilities, transforming two elite factory slots into four high-caliber opportunities.

KTM's revised team strategy for the upcoming season reveals a lineup poised to leverage experience and innovation. The Factory Red Mondial KTM team will continue with Brad Binder and welcome Pedro Acosta, who replaces Jack Miller. Meanwhile, the Tech3 squad will feature Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales, each promised the same level of support as their factory counterparts.

Simon Crafar, a seasoned MotoGP insider, has praised this flexible approach, highlighting the strategic and operational changes it brings.

"They have said the other garage will be KTM, meaning Herve’s side will be a factory-supported garage. Not heaps with change, but they will go up a level in terms of support. Machinery-wise they have good machinery this season," Crafar explained. "Another way to look at it; there are two bikes everybody wants, and they’ve turned it into four. A lot of riders would be enticed to KTM’s factory garage but less so to the satellite team. If they can make it more attractive they can have four good riders, then put them wherever they want."

Adding to the competitive edge, the integration of riders from diverse backgrounds such as Ducati and Aprilia offers a broader spectrum of insights into KTM's strengths and weaknesses compared to other brands. Brad Binder expressed his excitement about the diversity in experience, saying:

"Most interesting for me, as one of the riders, is that they’ve taken one rider from Ducati and one from Aprilia. It gives us a much clearer indication of what our bike does well, and what it needs to improve."

With an eye on optimizing performance, Crafar suggested operational improvements, particularly in team management and technical communication.

"The last piece of the puzzle, to get the information, is to bring a crew chief who has worked with the rider along with them," he advised. "The crew chief translates what the rider means, so they really get the information, without it getting lost in translation."

Reflecting on the broader strategy, Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsport Director, articulated the company's vision.

"We see the project as, in our group we have four MotoGP places. So we just look generally at the four places, and try to make the best out of it," Beirer stated.