KTM has reinforced its MotoGP racing commitment, as CEO Gottfried Neumeister declared that motorsport remains central to the brand, despite the company’s ongoing restructuring. Speaking from the company’s base in Mattighofen, Austria, Neumeister made clear that both MotoGP and off-road competition remain pivotal elements of KTM’s strategy and future identity.
Racing as the Foundation of KTM’s Brand
Since assuming leadership in early 2025, Gottfried Neumeister has led KTM through notable corporate shifts, supported by Bajaj, the majority shareholder. Throughout these changes, Neumeister insists that racing is embedded in the company’s DNA. He described how competitive motorsport—on both asphalt and rugged terrain—defines the company and ensures its relevance in the global market. According to Neumeister, these competitions are fundamental to KTM’s ethos and operational direction.
He emphasized,
“For KTM, competitive activities, whether on the track or off-road, are indispensable.”
— Gottfried Neumeister, CEO
This approach arises not from sentimentality but from a strategic understanding that success on the track directly sustains KTM’s brand integrity and consumer appeal. Neumeister underscored MotoGP as an unmatched stage for gaining international visibility.
“There is no better platform than MotoGP in terms of global visibility,”
he affirmed, highlighting the championship’s importance in KTM’s ambitions.
Investment in Motorsport and Its Business Rationale
KTM’s presence at the pinnacle of road racing is not a vanity project but a carefully considered business strategy. Neumeister detailed the technical benefits that come from battling with motorcycle industry leaders, pointing to the way lessons learned in the heat of competition translate into innovations for everyday riders.
“The constant confrontation with the best and the transfer of development from racing to production models make our commitment to MotoGP unavoidable,”
Neumeister stated. Every euro spent on MotoGP is justified, he argues, by the competitive edge and technological advancements it yields.
Depth of Sporting Commitment Beyond Participation
Beyond simply taking part in races, Neumeister described a deeper philosophy driving KTM’s engagement.
“Motorsport is more crucial for KTM than probably for any other manufacturer.”
— Gottfried Neumeister, CEO
He acknowledged similarities with legendary Italian brands, yet claimed KTM’s involvement surpasses most competitors, rooted in a promise to customers that is renewed at every event. Neumeister called upon fans to recognize KTM’s drive to measure itself against the world’s elite, including prominent figures such as Valentino Rossi, Alex Rins, and Casey Stoner. The CEO believes this continual battle in the public eye not only strengthens KTM’s standing but also bonds the brand with its customers, who expect nothing less than total commitment during every confrontation on track.
Off-Road Racing as Core to KTM’s Identity
Addressing their renowned prowess on unpaved circuits, Neumeister declared,
“Off-road competition is a decisive part of KTM’s identity,”
—Gottfried Neumeister, CEO—calling attention to KTM’s legacy in advancing various racing disciplines. He described the off-road environment as diverse and challenging, stretching from motocross events like MXGP to grueling trials such as the Dakar Rally. Despite these complexities, victories in iconic venues such as Supercross stadiums in the United States hold tremendous symbolic value, demonstrating the brand’s relentless spirit and ongoing impact on the sport worldwide.
Vision that Transcends Transportation
Neumeister made it clear that simply building motorcycles for transportation cannot define the company’s purpose.
“We don’t just make bikes to get from A to B,”
he stated, reinforcing that KTM pursues a legacy of excellence in motorsport above all else. For KTM and its supporters—whether manufacturers, fans, or riders such as Valentino Rossi and Alex Rins—the act of racing is what truly shapes the brand. Every win, every challenge, and every technical advancement reinforces its force in the industry and its global reputation as a competitive leader.
Looking Forward: The Ongoing Racing Legacy
As KTM navigates its current crossroads, Neumeister’s impassioned statements set a clear agenda: the brand will continue striving not just to participate but to lead, whether in MotoGP or off-road arenas. He has issued a rallying cry that invigorates the company, its partners such as Bajaj, and its worldwide followers, ensuring KTM presses forward with an unwavering commitment to its racing identity. This conviction guarantees that KTM remains a relentless competitor, prepared for every confrontation, and determined to claim its place at the forefront of motorsport for years to come.
