KTM motorsport director Pit Beirer has dismissed rumors about changes to the team’s rider roster or bike count for the 2026 MotoGP season. He confirmed during the Czech Grand Prix weekend that KTM will maintain both its four-bike presence on the grid and its current lineup of riders, reinforcing stability after a challenging period.
The uncertainty arose following KTM’s recent financial difficulties, which led to widespread speculation about Pedro Acosta possibly joining VR46 Ducati and Tech3 switching manufacturers. However, Beirer put those reports to rest, ensuring that KTM’s MotoGP plans remain unchanged.
Confirmed Riders and Team Structure for 2026
Beirer confirmed the factory Red Bull KTM team will retain Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder, while Tech3 will field Maverick Vinales alongside Enea Bastianini in next year’s competition. This decision reflects KTM’s commitment to its established roster heading into 2026.
We confirm our four bikes and also our four riders.
—Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsport Director
They’re all fantastic, Beirer emphasized, underscoring confidence in the riders’ abilities going forward.
Company Stability and Future Outlook
KTM’s CEO Gottfried Neumeister attended the Brno Grand Prix, marking a strong show of leadership during a critical time. The event coincided with KTM’s successful results as Acosta and Bastianini secured podium finishes, lifting morale within the team.
Our CEO is here and has done an incredible job to stabilise the situation in our company,
Beirer remarked on Neumeister’s role in steadying KTM after last year’s setbacks.
The team has reorganized internally and is focused on pushing forward aggressively as a factory outfit. Beirer stressed the importance of maintaining KTM’s marketing and motorsport efforts, which have been integral to the company’s identity for three decades.
The CEO is here with me to tell the teams that we will continue, we will have four bikes in MotoGP, not two nor six.
—Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsport Director
Current Performance and Emerging Talents
As the MotoGP season approaches its midway point, KTM is third in the constructors’ championship standings. Pedro Acosta sits seventh in the rider rankings, demonstrating promising progress, while Maverick Vinales, despite injury, is in 11th place. Brad Binder and Enea Bastianini are positioned 12th and 17th respectively, maintaining competitive performances.
Beyond the premier class, KTM is preparing for the future by promoting Moto3 title leader Jose Antonio Rueda to Moto2 in 2026. Beirer expressed confidence in Rueda’s development and readiness for the step up.
Another incredible young man has arrived in our sport, now he’s stronger mentally. Ready for Moto2? Yes.
—Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsport Director
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is MotoGP not so popular?
A. The unfortunate truth is that entertainment draws more interest than sports, which MotoGP is looking to take advantage of. However, MotoGP lacks the personalities needed to make it exciting enough for audiences.
Q. Has anyone won F1 and MotoGP?
A. Known as the sole World Champion in both motorcycle and car racing, John Surtees excelled at riding motorcycles and driving Formula 1 cars fearlessly and skillfully.
Q. Did F1 buy MotoGP?
A. Liberty Media, which owns the commercial rights to Formula 1, can now acquire the MotoGP motorcycle world championship. This follows the full approval from the European Commission.
Q. Is MotoGP cheaper than F1?
A. According to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, hosting a Formula One event costs four times more than a MotoGP race. Hosting MotoGP is also less expensive than organizing a Formula E event.
