Team KTM and Team Roberts acrimonious MotoGP split

KTM Chief Executive Officer, Mr Stefan Pierer, has confirmed that the company will continue to enter factory teams in the 125cc and 250cc world championships.

In 2006, the KTM 250cc team will be expanded to a two rider squad following the successful debut of the new machine which finished second on the podium at last month’s British Grand Prix.

And KTM’s three-rider 125cc grand prix team is currently dominating that championship, with three riders in the top six of the points. KTM have won five of the nine GPs so far this season.

The decision to end the supply of the KTM 990cc, V4 engine is based on a number of factors, including the change to the new 800cc MotoGP engine regulations in 2007.

For 2005 KTM’s sole aim was to be an engine supplier to a fully operational team. The company’s primary interest was engine supply, and not to support a factory-backed KTM MotoGP team.

Team Roberts were free to raise additional sponsorship and funding for the project. KTM recognises that this undertaking has not been an easy task.

To assist the project further KTM made available significant, and additional funding, over and above the cost of engine supply.

KTM contracted and paid team rider Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne and agreed to fund the supply of Michelin tyres for the MotoGP season.

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