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KTM motorsport boss Pit Beirer has claimed the beleaguered Austrian manufacturer has been in conversation with a high-profile potential investor - seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton.
The Austrian brand, which is represented by two teams in MotoGP (the works KTM team and its satellite partner Tech3) and is also deeply involved in Moto2 and Moto3, is in the midst of a severe financial crisis that has put the company's very existence under question.
With reported liabilities approaching three billion Euros, KTM is currently insolvent and undergoing a process of self-administration under Austrian law - and it has been suggested as part of that process that a cost-saving withdrawal from MotoGP may be required.
Senior figures from KTM's MotoGP programme have thus far insisted it is under no immediate threat and are confident it will race in 2025, although even on their end there is admitted uncertainty over what KTM's MotoGP future might look like coming into 2027 - which will mark the debut of an all-new set of regulations, meaning inevitable R&D expenditure, particularly in designing a new 850cc engine.
Now, talking to Speedweek.com - a German-language publication owned by KTM's title sponsor Red Bull - Beirer has acknowledged KTM is open to outside investment into its MotoGP programme.
Red Bull and another KTM partner, Indian manufacturer Bajaj Auto, have been repeatedly speculated as potential 'saviours' of KTM's MotoGP programme - but Beirer indicates it has already fielded interest from a wider range of investors, who he says are spurred on by the prospect of F1 owner Liberty Media's in-the-works MotoGP takeover.
This takeover has long been agreed, but remains subject to regulatory approval from the European Union - which is currently carrying out a more detailed assessment due to "serious competition concerns" raised by the transaction when it comes to F1 and MotoGP broadcast rights.
A decision is due by May 14, 2025, and Carmelo Ezpeleta - the CEO of MotoGP promoter Dorna - says he and his company "expect the acquisition to gain the requisite approval".
Regardless of whether F1 owner Liberty's MotoGP takeover is given the green light within the presented timeframe, Hamilton is an obvious fit as a potential investor.
The F1 legend, who is switching from Mercedes to Ferrari ahead of 2025, was known to be exploring the prospect of MotoGP team ownership (in particular, the Ducati satellite team Gresini earlier this year).
He has repeatedly confirmed his MotoGP interest on the record, and is already a part-owner in a different sports franchise - American football outfit Denver Broncos.
Beirer told Speedweek.com that "very interesting discussions" have taken place between KTM and Hamilton's camp - and that his interest in having a MotoGP team is "no secret".
"Also here there are concrete talks," he said of the prospect of Hamilton investing - and he indicated that Hamilton's long-time association with Monster, the long-time energy drink rival of KTM partner Red Bull, is a non-issue.
Since its MotoGP arrival just under a decade ago, KTM is yet to fight for a premier-class title - but represents a self-evidently attractive programme with competitive machinery, a high-standard satellite team in Tech3 and a strong roster of four riders locked down under two-year factory deals.
That roster includes Pedro Acosta, widely seen in the MotoGP paddock as a rider destined to win multiple world championships in the premier class to add to his titles in Moto2 and Moto3.
