As has been quite clear for a couple of weeks now, KTM has decided to change its managerial structure in MotoGP starting from next season and this morning, immediately after the Indonesian Grand Prix, it made official the farewell of team manager Francesco Guidotti at the end of the current championship.
The Italian manager had taken command of the official Mattighofen team in 2022, participating in the growth of the team from both a technical and sporting point of view. With him at the wall came two victories and 12 podiums for the Austrian brand, to which were added the same number of successes and 11 placings in the top 3 in the Sprints.
Among other things, Brad Binder’s fourth place in the 2023 World Championship was the best result ever achieved in MotoGP by KTM, which last year also placed second in the Manufacturers’ standings, as the first pursuer of the Ducati steamroller.
Results, however, were not enough for the Tuscan to earn confirmation, at a time when a major internal restructuring is underway, which also includes the farewell of technical director Fabiano Sterlacchini, who should be reinforcing Honda’s ranks from next year . As well as the downsizing of Alberto “Pigiamino” Giribuola, who has returned to the role of technical chief in Tech3, for the moment alongside Augusto Fernandez and next year alongside Enea Bastianini.
Jack Miller, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
Photo credit: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
“After three years with Francesco and many positive progress, with new working methods, we are moving the team with a different leadership approach. Making these changes is never an easy process and we can only warmly thank Francesco for what he has done in our history in MotoGP,” said Pit Beirer, director of KTM Motorsports.
“2025 will bring some big moves to the entire program in this close and exciting sport and we are laying the foundation to continue making strides,” he added.
At the moment no announcements have been made on the name of Guidotti’s heir, although all the clues seem to point in the direction of Aki Ajo, current team manager of the structure that manages the brand’s official bikes in both Moto3 and Moto2. Furthermore, Dani Pedrosa, who will no longer be solely in charge of the development of the RC16, should also broaden his scope of action.
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