KTM boss Neumeister fears: ‘That would cost MotoGP its soul’

Money isn’t as plentiful as it used to be, and MotoGP is no exception. In Moto2, standardised engines have been used since 2010, initially from Honda and, since 2019, from Triumph. In Moto3, there will even be standardised bikes from Yamaha from 2028 onwards, with engines based on the production R7 unit.

For MotoGP, the five manufacturers – Aprilia, Ducati, Honda, KTM and Yamaha – are also in discussions with promoter Liberty and the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) about how costs can be reduced, for example by introducing a cap on the overall budget.

“Let’s take Formula 1 as an example: I don’t believe the cost cap is always adhered to,” reflects KTM Managing Director Gottfried Neumeister. “Nevertheless, it has ensured that all teams now have a basis on which to compete. We are now also seeing significantly smaller teams and companies mixing it up at the front.”

One-bike rule saves hardly any money

Another idea is the introduction of the one-bike rule, as we’ve seen in the Superbike World Championship since 2012. Riders are only allowed to have one bike in the pit; a second bike is kept behind the pit walls and may only be prepared for use if the first bike is beyond repair. Teams have a third motorbike per rider with them, either in parts or as a rolling chassis; on balance, this rule saves hardly anything.

Neumeister is consequently sceptical about it: “I don’t like the one-bike rule; I’m completely against it. Yes, it saves a bit of money, but it goes against my understanding of this sport. Riders should be able to push themselves to the limit. And to come back to the pits and switch to the second bike if necessary. For me, that’s the heart of MotoGP. A cost cap can be a good thing because it allows everyone to compete on a level playing field. But we need to approach this wisely and find the best solutions for the sport.”

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It would be relatively easy to implement this, particularly at the lower levels. “If, for example, everyone uses the same fuel, it won’t affect the spectators’ enjoyment,” explained the Austrian. “If there’s a single fuel supplier, then everyone works from the same basis and we can still compete to see who gets the most out of it. Why don’t we optimise something that causes a lot of headaches – particularly for the smaller teams – and costs a lot of money, if it has no impact on the show?”