KTM Motorsport boss Pit Beirer has officially confirmed that Kurt Trieb, the long-serving engine specialist behind KTM’s MotoGP success, will be leaving the company. This announcement follows speculation that Trieb will join Honda’s MotoGP team as it prepares for the transition to the 850cc engine formula in 2027.
Trieb has played a crucial role in developing MotoGP’s fastest engine, with KTM setting a record speed of 227.5 mph during the 2023 Italian Grand Prix. Meanwhile, Honda’s MotoGP engines have underperformed relative to competitors, prompting significant changes within its engineering staff.
Transition Plans Underway at KTM as Trieb Steps Back
Speaking at the German Grand Prix, Beirer explained that Kurt Trieb’s departure has been planned for some time and that preparations to ensure a smooth transition are already in place. Trieb began gradually handing over responsibilities to his team years ago to ensure the département’s future stability without him.
First of all, Kurt is a great friend of all of us, many people in KTM, and was many, many years with us,
Beirer said.
But sometime ago, when he had his 60th birthday – which was already three years ago – he told me we need to get this department ready for the future without him.
Beirer noted the depth of experience within the engine team, highlighting that many of Trieb’s colleagues have worked closely with him for decades and are ready to lead the department forward.
So, there are so many great people with 20 years of experience working with him, and step by step Kurt gave over responsibility to these guys already.
The KTM boss acknowledged the challenge of losing such a distinguished figure but expressed confidence in the team’s capabilities.
But on the other side, it’s no secret that Kurt worked on our engines, he’s a fantastic engine guy and it’s not super nice to lose him.
Beirer also emphasized that Trieb remains a friend of KTM, though his future plans remain unclear. The company has spent the last two years developing a sustainable engine program designed to thrive after his exit.
I don’t know exactly what he does in the future, but we created together with him during the last two years the future without him.
On the likelihood of Trieb’s departure occurring next season, Beirer stated:
I’m very thankful that he was also so professional in that case to look for that over a long period. But I think the chances are really big that he is not with us for next year.
Honda’s Engineering Revamp and KTM’s Talent Turnover
Kurt Trieb’s move to Honda, while not yet officially confirmed by the Japanese team, aligns with Honda’s ongoing overhaul of its MotoGP technical structure. This includes hiring Romano Albesiano, formerly of Aprilia, as Honda’s new technical director, signaling the team’s efforts to improve its competitiveness.
Trieb’s departure adds to a recent pattern of key KTM staff moving to rival teams. For instance, former technical director Fabiano Sterlacchini joined Aprilia during the past winter, replacing Albesiano, who left for Honda. These changes reflect a shifting landscape in MotoGP engineering talent ahead of the upcoming major technical regulation changes.
The Outlook for KTM’s Engine Development Without Trieb
Kurt Trieb’s exit marks a significant change for KTM as it prepares for future MotoGP seasons. His expertise was instrumental in achieving record speeds and competitive engine performance, making his departure notable in the paddock. However, KTM’s engine division now boasts extensive experience among its senior engineers who have been groomed to maintain momentum.
With Honda making bold engineering shifts and preparing for the 850cc engine rules, Trieb’s potential new role could accelerate Honda’s progress in MotoGP. Meanwhile, KTM’s focus will remain on sustaining their engine performance through this leadership transition, aiming to remain competitive in the evolving world championship.
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