KTM AG faced a turbulent end to 2024, announcing that it was entering insolvency proceedings. While MotoGP project seems to be safe for now, Massimo Rivola, believes it should serve as a wake-up call regarding the cost structure of the premier class.
Aprilia Racing’s CEO was asked about the financial sustainability of MotoGP. Quoted on Crash.net, he emphasizing the need to reduce costs:
– It’s one of my never-ending discussions with Carmelo [Ezpeleta, Dorna’s CEO] and the MotoGP environment. I still believe that our sport, our business, is a bit too expensive. And I think we don’t need really that much to provide a good show, and we have aircraft on two wheels.
Rivola sees room for improvement and views KTM’s struggles as a warning sign: ‘In my opinion, there are a few things that can be managed a bit better, regulated a bit better. But when you make a rule you need to be in a position to control the rule, I understand this. But the warning that we got from KTM’s situation shouldn’t be taken like «ok, it’s bad luck». I think we should do something and I hope for the next five-year contract [with MotoGP] we will discuss it again’.