KTM AG is going through a delicate financial crisis, and its continued presence in MotoGP is uncertain. If the worst happens, at least two out of four riders will be without a spot on the grid in 2026.
These riders are Brad Binder, Enea Bastianini, Maverick Viñales, and Pedro Acosta – it seems unthinkable that any of them would be left without a place in the competition. However, spots are limited, and many contracts only expire at the end of 2026, especially with factory teams.
But Dorna may have a contingency plan in case KTM withdraws. According to TodoCircuito.com, in this scenario, Dorna could allow factory teams to line up with three riders – even offering logistical and financial support for the operation.
KTM’s exit could result in just two seats being lost – as Tech3 had existed for several years before the partnership with the manufacturer and could rely on one of the others. In any case, there would still be two factory bikes lost, which, with the idea of three bikes per official team, would be safeguarded.
However, for independent squads, this might not be the best move for their ambitions. Likewise, Dorna would likely not want to go down this path – especially since the goal is to attract new manufacturers, not lose the ones they already have.