New Delhi:- It's no secret that KTM is in serious trouble heading into the 2024 MotoGP championship, with the company aiming to narrow its five contracted riders down to four spots. And that's before even thinking about pulling out Honda's very unlucky Marc Márquez.
The previous solution was rejected outright, but the new proposal is the best way forward for everyone involved and may help other teams as well.
Earlier this week, German-language publication Speedweek, which has close ties to both KTM and title sponsor Red Bull, and has done little wrong when it comes to breaking news from KTM's Salzburg headquarters, reported that KTM has new options for adding the bike to the 2024 grid. It's not just Honda's Marquez, but Honda's satellite team LCR as well.
Also Read:- Tata Motors: Going Above and Beyond to Provide Exceptional Customer Facilities
This comes after previous efforts to expand the grid to six cars next year were rejected. Series promoter Dorna appears to have thwarted Suzuki's use of the two extra grid spots that have been vacated, thwarting plans to add more KTM machines to the grid next year. These two additional grid spots are reserved for future theoretical full factory entries.
But the current Honda RC213V is basically a complete disaster, despite LCR rider Alex Rins' unexpected victory at the Circuit of the Americas earlier this year, and it looks like KTM (or rather parent company Pierer Mobility Group) has knocked on LCR's door to try to resume talks that originally began in 2019.
Former racer Lucio Cecchinello's team was in talks with KTM at the time to become its first official satellite partner. Cecchinero was determined to remain loyal to Honda in his relationship, which began in the 125cc class from 1996 to 1999 and resumed when LCR entered MotoGP with Casey Stoner in 2006, so the deal ultimately went to the Tech3 team at Herve Poncharal.
But with Honda continuing to struggle to produce a competitive bike, Speedweek has suggested that KTM believes now is the right time to resume talks over a possible purchase of the team for next season. This is the latest in what appears to be a series of deal acquisitions as people abandon Honda.
Also Read:- Phantom Limb Syndrome: Investigating the Sensation of Missing Limbs
KTM's plans have also been openly hinted at by Cecchinello himself, who confirmed to Italian website GPone that early talks with KTM have begun. He pointed out that his contract with Honda has expired, but that doesn't mean he completely ruled out KTM's plans as an option for the LCR.
"I want to be absolutely honest and transparent," he told GPone. KTM must keep top MotoGP talent, even if unpopular. “About 10 days ago I received a friendly call from KTM team manager Francesco Guidotti, in which he calmly and confidently told me that after the Silverstone GP, KTM wants to start understanding how things should go in the future.” "They are interested in fielding another team in MotoGP, not just Acosta, for next year.
"He asked what my situation would be in 2024 and I replied that I had a three-year deal with Honda that expires at the end of next year. The call ended and I never heard from him again. "I have a contract with Honda until 2024 and I'm not going to break it, that's the simple truth."
Also Read:- Unleashing Excellence on Two Wheels: The Honda SP 125 Shines with Style, Performance, and Efficiency
With Yamaha also looking to improve the dire situation, it seems likely that Rins will be announced as a Yamaha factory rider in the coming weeks, replacing Franco Morbidelli with Fabio Quartararo.
Márquez has also hinted that his future lies elsewhere and, like Rins, did not dismiss speculation that he may be looking to terminate his contract with Honda early next season, which does not expire until the end of next season. So far Marquez's options are more limited than Rins'. KTM is believed to be only interested in securing his autograph if current factory riders Jack Miller and Brad Binder need not be ousted.
Newcomer Augusto Fernandez has also enjoyed a strong debut season with satellite team Tech3 (operated under the Peerer Group's Gas Gas brand), while KTM Group returnee Pol Espargaro has virtually missed the entire season due to a serious injury sustained at the season opener in March, making it difficult to dismiss.
Also Read:- The Honda Cliq: A Stylish and Efficient Two-Wheeler Redefining Riding Experience
And then there's the added complexity of the genius Pedro Acosta. The Spanish sensation recently admitted that KTM has promised him a promotion from Moto2 to MotoGP next year, putting more pressure on those deciding on the brand's 2024 line-up.
That's why the option of adding two extra bikes looked so promising, with initial plans to promote dominant Moto2 and Moto3 team Ajo Motorsport to the premier class to provide a space for both Marquez and Acosta – a plan halted by Dorna's insistence there's no space for new satellite teams (which Dorna is contractually obliged to give substantial payments to).
But poaching another squad away from Honda and into Pierer colours (potentially not under the KTM brand but instead as a Husqvarna team) would solve that issue by not needing to create a new grid spot. It would, of course, be a further blow to Honda – but one that would come as no real surprise or injustice given its lacklustre commitment to its satellite teams.
Also Read:- Unleashing the Power and Reliability of the Honda Unicorn: A Legend on Two Wheels
It's become normal to hear complaints not just from Rins but past LCR riders like Alex Marquez and Cal Crutchlow about a perceived lack of support and promised upgrades.
That's unlikely to be an issue for LCR if it switches to the KTM RC16, arguably already the second-best bike on the grid right now behind Ducati. Another loser is LCR's second rider, Takashi Nakagami, but he is unlikely to keep his spot if KTM Honda takes over. With limited spots elsewhere, he would be permanently banned from MotoGP.
Additionally, Honda will be represented by just two factory bikes, as is Yamaha, and in 2024 the starting field could consist of six KTMs alongside eight Ducatis and four Aprilias.
Also Read:- Unleashing the Legend: Exploring the Thrills of the Suzuki Hayabusa Superbike
Now the KTM is thinking of getting not only the Honda Drivers on Board but also the whole Honda Satellite Team LCR. The current Honda bike that was racing in this season as shown seamless results and also has won the race.