KTM has announced that Aki Ajo will lead the project as its new Team Manager for the 2025 MotoGP season, replacing the departing Francesco Guidotti. Ajo’s racing team, Ajo Motorsport, has been affiliated with KTM since 2012, and the partnership has produced three Moto3 championships in 2012, 2016, and 2021. From 2017, Ajo expanded KTM representation to Moto2, with his team claiming three consecutive titles from 2021-2023. Current MotoGP riders Brad Binder and Pedro Acosta ride for the factory and satellite teams. Both riders have won the championship in the junior categories. With Acosta joining Binder at the factory team for 2025, KTM believes that Ajo is the right fit based on previous working relations with both riders. Ajo was chosen to lead the project in 2025 due to familiarity with KTM’s operations and staff and previous success in the junior categories. Both Ajo teams in Moto3 and Moto2 will continue to develop riders as they progress up the two-wheeled ladder to the pinnacle. The Finn stated: “It’s an honor to be offered this great new role and opportunity to work in MotoGP with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. “At the moment MotoGP is at a very high level so […]
Red Bull KTM has confirmed that Team Manager Francesco Guidotti will be leaving the team at the end of the 2024 MotoGP season. Guidotti was appointed team manager in 2022 to replace Mike Leitner, and has overseen two wins for the manufacturer in the hands of Miguel Oliveira, as well as sprint success for Brad Binder at last season’s Argentinian Grand Prix. The Italian was believed to have had a contract scheduled to run until the end of 2025, but after two years without victory, he has been released by the Austrian manufacturer early. “After three years with Francesco and a lot of positive progress and working methods, we are moving the team with a different leadership approach,” said KTM Motorsports Director Pit Beirer. “Making these changes is never an easy process and we can only thank Francesco warmly for what he has done in our MotoGP story. “2025 will bring some big movements to the whole program in this close and exciting sport and we are laying the foundations now to keep making steps ahead.” The news of Guidotti’s departure means a big shift is scheduled for KTM for 2025, as they welcome new management into their stable alongside […]
Pramac Yamaha have been credited for smartly acquiring riders who bring experience of rival motorcycles. Miguel Oliveira, currently of Trackhouse Aprilia, has been confirmed as the first rider of the new Pramac era, when they swap Ducati for Yamaha in 2025. Jack Miller, currently of KTM, is set to follow Oliveira in to Yamaha’s new satellite project. “Speaking to people inside the paddock, the general feeling is that it’s a good signing,” TNT Sports’ Neil Hodgson said about Miller. “Yamaha are in a hole, they are behind the European manufacturers. They need to improve their motorcycle. “When it comes to development, why wouldn’t you choose someone like Miller who has ridden for three different manufacturers already? “Oliveira has got a lot of experience as well. They’ve both won grands prix. “You can’t argue that they are in the pinnacle of their careers, but they are probably at the pinnacle of their development and experience. “That’s what Yamaha have bought. It’s a great signing for Pramac.” Michael Laverty added: “Oliveira has rode KTM and Aprilia but has never quite delivered what everyone expected. He is a smart, intelligent development rider. “Likewise Miller, when he moved from Ducati to KTM, he almost […]