KTM WANTS JORGE MARTÍN AND MARC MÁRQUEZ

KTM WANTS JORGE MARTÍN AND MARC MÁRQUEZ
KTM doesn't close doors to Martín and Márquez. The Austrian manufacturer is "eager to see what happens at Ducati," although it asks not to speculate on possible signings because "it would be presumptuous." It may be the hottest transfer market in MotoGP in recent years, but everything has come to a standstill awaiting Ducati's big decision. Martín or Márquez? The announcement of their second rider for the factory team, the one who will accompany Pecco Bagnaia dressed in red, will unlock the rest of the negotiations and allow other brands to move forward to renew or sign new riders for the coming years. Fortunately, KTM is one of those factories that already have at least half of their lineup confirmed for the short term. Brad Binder, the main rider for the Austrians, renewed his contract last summer until 2026, and his continuity is added to the already known one of Pedro Acosta, the rookie who is revolutionizing the entire paddock, who signed a two-year contract with the team before his MotoGP debut. Pending confirmation if both riders will end up sharing the box in the factory team for 2025, which is very close to becoming a reality, both can ensure their stay in the premier class of the World Championship at a level that is far from their two teammates, Jack Miller and Augusto Fernández. Neither the Australian with 24 points in his tally nor the Spaniard with only 13 points in five races are giving strong reasons to continue with the Austrians. Although everything is yet to be decided.
For now, KTM's sports director, Pit Beirer, stated in an interview with Motorsport-magazin.com, that the confirmed rider duo for the next year excites him because he considers them "fantastic" and gives him "a lot of confidence for the future" of the brand in the sports field. Because, although Ducati dominates with an iron hand, KTM is not far from making things more difficult for the Italians. But, besides not halting all the factory's work on motorcycles, a giant like them cannot stop looking at the market and seeking the best options for their success. Therefore, the decision-making at Ducati interests them, a lot, for the future, especially considering that names like Jorge Martín and Marc Márquez carry a lot of weight in the current grid. A runner-up and current championship leader, versus an eight-time champion. "Eager to see what happens at Ducati," indicates the German executive.
"Several riders undoubtedly want the position in the Ducati factory team, and there will be some disappointed faces among the riders who don't get it," explains Beirer, who will be attentive to contacting those who may be left without a spot. However, KTM's sports director makes it clear that their desire to keep their four current riders "has not changed," although "the current performance of Jack and Augusto is a bit lacking for a MotoGP position, which is so valuable." "We are in a phase where we still have time, but not much," assures the German, although those deadlines are set by Ducati with their decision.
Unrealistic options.
While waiting for the announcement, KTM has two possible options. Thinking about Marc Márquez, Beirer categorizes him as "a hero of this sport" whom he has "great respect for," but he also knows perfectly well that signing the champion "is not a realistic option" for KTM at this moment. And not because of the economic issue. The sports director explains the reasons: "You have to consider how badly Marc has suffered. I spoke with him last summer, and his desire was simply to find a bike with which he knew he could be absolutely competitive. He wanted to return to the top with this bike, and he has achieved it. Therefore, I don't see him changing brands again, which would mean a completely new start for him."
But the option of considering Jorge Martín is also somewhat complicated. The previous relationship between the brand and the Spanish rider, from when Martín was in Moto2, didn't end in the best way. The current championship leader broke the previous agreement he had signed with the Austrians for his MotoGP debut and instead opted for a new story with Ducati, which obviously didn't sit well in Mattighofen. Beirer assures that the factory has "definitely overcome that" after three years, although "everyone knows how emotional we are and how much we can be saddened when someone leaves us like that; we take it very much to heart because we put a lot of heart and soul into it." And although he doesn't rule out the possibility of negotiating with the Spaniard, the German asks not to speculate about Marc or Martín because "it would be presumptuous" to talk about signings when "they are riding for Ducati and have few reasons to change bikes." But that doesn't mean they aren't keeping an eye on the Italians.

[@chrispulham4779]

Cheers,, i really enjoyed your video. Look forward to seeing your next.! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍