Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta says it is negotiating a new five-year deal which would see KTM stay in MotoGP until at least 2031.
There have been great concerns over KTM’s future in the championship following its financial crisis which has unfolded over the last few months.
Last month it won vote with creditors which saw its restructuring plan approved, with the Austrian manufacturer set to pay off only 30% of its €2.2 billion debts.
In December, a creditors hearing concluded with KTM’s exit from MotoGP “planned” under cost-saving measures, but Motorsports Director Pit Beirer said during the brand’s 2025 MotoGP launch that it was already planning its 2027 engine.
However, the manufacturer is in negotiations with Dorna to extend its stay in the MotoGP championship beyond its current contract, which ends in 2026.
“I’m worried, because I don’t like a team to be in this situation,” Ezpeleta told motosprint.it.
“At the same time, I’m not worried about the racing sector and the brand’s participation in the world championship, this absolutely not.
“On the contrary, we are negotiating right now with the KTM Group for the renewal of the agreement that will run from 2027 to 2031.”
Other manufacturers have also expressed support for KTM amidst its financial problems, with Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola saying MotoGP has to learn from the Austrian marque’s situation and bring the costs of the championship under control.
‘The Japanese manufacturers will be closer’: Ezpeleta on MotoGP concessions
Ezpeleta also referenced the current concession system aimed at boosting the struggling Honda and Yamaha back to the front of the grid.
Both manufacturers had a promising start to the season at the Thai Grand Prix, and while Ezpeleta doesn’t believe the Japanese brands be ahead of Ducati by the end of this season, he suggests they “will be closer”.
“Yes, even if there is still a while to go,” Ezpeleta said.
“More to Honda than to Yamaha. But I’m sure that at the end of this year they won’t be in front, because Ducati and Aprilia are very strong and KTM is also at a high level.
“But the Japanese manufacturers will be closer.”
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