KTM Makes MotoGP Management Change

Aki Ajo has been one of the most successful team managers since Moto2 and Moto3, but the Finn will step up to MotoGP with KTM following Francesco Guidotti’s departure, which was announced on Sunday evening.

Ajo has worked with some of the best riders in MotoGP history, including Marc Marquez, while he also worked with current championship leader Jorge Martin and Pedro Acosta, both of whom finished inside the top two during Sunday’s Indonesian Grand Prix.

"We have a special relationship and a very close collaboration with Aki and so we felt this was the best decision to take the MotoGP project forward," said KTM motorsport director Pit Beirer after announcing the news.

"I’ve said it before and will mention it again: he believed in us when we were just getting organised in this paddock, so the trust and the friendship is unmatched. His team’s success speaks for itself. He has won titles with both of the riders that will be in the pitbox for 2025 but that knowledge is just part of the skillset he will bring.

"We know we can count on a lot of pedigree and, of course, Aki knows our company and the way we race. I’m really pleased and proud that we are taking this challenge together and we are continuing a story that began a long time ago and has had so much success and great stories already.”

Ajo, who owned the KTM-run Moto2 and Moto3 teams, moves to MotoGP after being in the paddock for more than two decades.

Ajo Motorsport made its official racing debut in the world championship in 2001 before going on to win its first race two seasons later. Its first championship win came at the hands of Mike De Meglio, before Marquez won the 125cc title in 2010.

Ajo added: “It’s an honour to be offered this great new role and opportunity to work in MotoGP with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing.”

"At the moment MotoGP is at a very high level so we need to continue to work in many areas and use the strengths that we have to build this KTM package to an even better standard.

"We need to keep pushing but I think this project already has many good parts to be right at the very top; we have to manage them in the best way. Thank you to Stefan, Hubert, Pit and Jens and everyone in the KTM structure.”

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