Yamaha MotoGP team director Massimo Meregalli has expressed serious concerns about KTM’s current financial situation. The manufacturer entered a controlled administration process at the end of last year, accumulating debts of around €1.8 billion.
The Yamaha manager showed concern about the situation his rival is going through, telling GPOne, as quoted by Crash: ‘It’s not a good situation for them or for us. What I know comes from what I’ve read’.
Despite KTM’s assurances that its racing program will not be affected, the Italian manager was skeptical: ‘I find it difficult to imagine the consequences. They keep denying there will be problems in the races. Maybe I find it difficult to believe completely’.
Meregalli also revealed that concerns extend to other Japanese manufacturers: ‘The Japanese are also worried because this situation is not good for anyone. We’ve never discussed the matter in detail’.
KTM has implemented a 100-point restructuring plan to solve its financial problems, maintaining its commitment to MotoGP. However, rumors persist about the possible departure of its star rider, Pedro Acosta, with several teams, including Ducati, showing interest in the young rider.
Meanwhile, Yamaha faces its own challenges, albeit limited to the sporting sphere. The Japanese brand has received a positive boost with the addition of the satellite Pramac team, which will allow it to double the amount of data available for development.
The KTM situation is causing particular apprehension among manufacturers, who fear a repeat of the Suzuki case, whose unexpected departure from the championship significantly affected the competition.