KTM Reveals Near-Identical Liveries for 2025 MotoGP Campaign

Factory and Tech3 teams unite under iconic Red Bull KTM colours, as rookies and veterans gear up for a competitive season.

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In a joint event held on Thursday, January 30, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and Red Bull KTM Tech3 unveiled their near-identical liveries for the 2025 MotoGP season. 

All four RC16 machines will sport the iconic orange and dark blue colours that have become synonymous with KTM since its full-time entry into MotoGP in 2017. This marks the first time since 2020 that all four bikes will race under the Red Bull KTM banner, signalling a deeper collaboration between the factory and Tech3 teams.

The factory team retains its familiar colour scheme, with Red Bull logos prominently displayed, while Tech3 adopts the same livery after running all-red bikes in 2023-24 to promote the GasGas brand. The change reflects KTM’s vision of Tech3 as an extension of its factory effort, further solidifying their partnership.

A Formidable Rider Line-Up

KTM and Tech3 have refreshed their rider rosters for 2025, assembling a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars. The factory team will feature Brad Binder, entering his sixth MotoGP season, and rookie sensation Pedro Acosta, who earned a promotion after an impressive debut year.

Tech3, meanwhile, has secured race winners Maverick Viñales and Enea Bastianini, poached from Aprilia and Ducati respectively. This marks a significant coup for the team, as both riders bring proven talent and experience to the KTM stable.

Jack Miller and Augusto Fernandez, who raced for the GasGas-branded Tech3 squad in 2024, have been dropped from KTM’s roster entirely.

Riders’ Ambitions for 2025

Brad Binder expressed confidence in the team’s progress, stating, “2024 was the year where I probably learnt the most. My goal for 2025 is to take what I learnt and make that step forward to fight with the guys at the front.” He highlighted KTM’s second-place finish in the 2024 Constructors’ Championship as motivation to close the gap to Ducati.

Pedro Acosta, who made a splash in his rookie season, emphasised the importance of improving qualifying performance and race starts. “Last year we had the pace to fight for podiums or wins, but we struggled in qualifying. That’s where we need to improve,” he said.

Enea Bastianini, joining Tech3 from Lenovo Factory Ducati, praised the KTM RC16’s potential, calling it “impressive” and expressing optimism about being competitive by the third or fourth race of the season. Maverick Viñales, meanwhile, described the KTM as a “beast” and expressed excitement about racing in the iconic Red Bull KTM colours.

KTM’s Commitment Amid Challenges

Despite entering self-administration due to unsold stocks and mounting debts, KTM remains committed to MotoGP. The Austrian manufacturer’s future will be decided on February 25, when creditors vote on its insolvency plan. However, KTM Motorsports Director Pit Beirer reaffirmed the brand’s dedication to racing, stating, “We are here to race and we are very serious about success in this fantastic championship.”

KTM has been a consistent presence in MotoGP since 2017, though it has yet to achieve its goal of winning a championship. In 2024, the team finished second in the Constructors’ standings, well behind Ducati but ahead of Aprilia. Its last race victory came in 2022 with Miguel Oliveira at the Thailand Grand Prix.

Looking Ahead

Team Manager Aki Ajo expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming season, highlighting the team’s winter development efforts and the strong rider line-up. “Our aim is high, but we are prepared to keep working hard,” he said.

With a refreshed roster, a unified livery, and a renewed focus on performance, KTM is poised to make 2025 a pivotal year in its MotoGP journey. As the season approaches, all eyes will be on the Austrian manufacturer to see if it can finally break through and challenge for the championship.