KTM just dropped a massive statement about their 2024 line-up. The Austrian Factory revealed that Pedro Acosta would step into the MotoGP role at Gas Gas Tech3 racing (a satellite KTM team). The role currently belongs to Pol Espargaro.

Ktm’s statement read that Espargaro’s role has shifted to being a “prominent member of the MotoGP program on both sides of the pit wall” [as reported by the-race.com]. The statement further states that the Spaniard will be “an important asset for supporting talented young athletes and maintaining the strength of the current racing set-up”.

Espargaro was the first rider the Gas Gas team announced (in their 2023 line-up) as they debuted as a new team in 2022. Pol Espargaro has been the leading man for Ktm ever since the Austrian factory started in Moto GP in 2017.

The rider has rode the Orange-Matte Black bike from 2017-2021, accumulating five seasons with the Factory. Pol had a brief stint at Repsol Honda as Marc Marquez’s teammate in 2021-22 before returning to his beloved Ktm for the 2023 season. Now it seems the Austrian factory has decided to let go of the past and look towards the bright future as the Rookie – Acosta is set to claim his older compatriot’s seat.

Ktm director of motorsport Pit Beirer spoke about Espargaro’s contribution to the factory and the rider’s uncertain future “I want to thank Pol for everything he has done and all he continues to do for us. This guy is super-tough and super-determined and that’s why we want to count on him as an important part of our structure.”

What’s important to remember is that KTM was previously counting on keeping the 32-year-old on the team while promoting Acosta up to the Premiere class. Ktm had requested the FIM to include more spots for their couples in 2024. They also made an erratic error by signing five riders for their 4 bikes, leading up to Pol’s unfortunate demotion from the seat. More about this is below.

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Kim’s bid for more extra grid spots in 2024

Multiple reports suggest that Ktm, the Austrian giant, persuaded the FIM to grant them extra entries for the 2024 Season. Ktm currently occupies four spots on the grid, i.e., four bikes and four riders. According to the reports, Ktm was lobbying Dorna and the FIM to allow them to occupy the two entries vacated by Suzuki’s departure this season. Dorna seemed reluctant initially and has since thwarted the factory’s effort to secure more bikes for 2024.

To support their claims to extra grid entries, Ktm erratically signed a fifth rider – Pedro Acosta. Since all the Satellite teams are already partnered up with other factories, Ktm has no choice but to wait for another satellite brand to partner with in 2025.

The possibility of Ktm entering the Sport as a separate entity using one of their daughter brands – Husqvarna was discussed briefly. But with Dorna’s stern refusal, Ktm had no choice but to demote one rider out of the five they had signed, eventually Pol Espargaro got the axe.

In case you missed it:

• Honda to finally allow Marc Marquez to test the Ducati in 2023
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