This year, KTM tried to have a second satellite team in MotoGP for the upcoming season – facing the two existing team slots in the paddock after Suzuki’s departure. However, those spots are reserved for manufacturers and Dorna rejected a new satellite team.
Pit Beirer, KTM’s sports director, admitted to The-Race.com that this left a mark: ‘It greatly harmed the motivation of our group, because we are making a big effort. In the three categories, as well as in the Red Bull Rookies Cup, we make a big investment. In addition to the Rookies Cup, there are 28 riders with our bikes throughout the paddock‘.
With more riders ready for MotoGP than available slots, KTM ended up having to let go of Pol Espargaró to promote Pedro Acosta. And there are more young talents aspiring to make the leap in the coming years, so a second satellite team to join GasGas Tech3 would be useful for the manufacturer from Mattighofen.
And not having that spot was difficult to face, admitted Beirer: ‘Everyone was watching us, we needed that place to make things easier and we didn’t receive any support. It was very difficult to digest. Then we had to make that decision and Pol Espargaró really helped us solve our big problem, but it was not our will. It was not a comfortable situation, it cost us a lot of energy and effort, and in the end it didn’t serve much. But that’s in the past, let’s move on‘.
