KTM CEO Gottfried Neumeister has strongly rejected the proposed single-bike rule in MotoGP, arguing it would diminish the racing spectacle. However, Neumeister backs the idea of an F1-style cost cap, provided cost-cutting measures don’t compromise the thrill of the sport.
Speaking at the Red Bull Ring, Neumeister said manufacturers must help control spending and suggested streamlining costs in areas invisible to fans—such as adopting a common supplier for MotoGP’s new non-fossil fuel. “If everybody has the same fuel, I don’t think that the fans would not enjoy it. What benefit do you lose if you have one fuel supplier and everybody works with the same basis?” he said. With the 2027 sustainable fuel costing up to €86 per litre, Neumeister believes centralizing supply could offer savings without affecting the on-track product.
Neumeister was adamant in his opposition to the single-bike proposal, which would have left riders stranded after a crash or technical issue, undermining MotoGP’s spirit: “I don’t like the one bike rule, because it’s really about the riders being able to go to the limit, being able to run back [after a crash] and jump on the next one. This is part of what MotoGP really is, and I was completely against it… this is against racing, at least for my understanding of motorsport.”
MotoGP’s leadership is now considering an F1-style cost cap for the future. Neumeister believes this could level the playing field, as it has in Formula 1: “It brought to all teams at least a basis where you’re able to compete, and you’re now seeing smaller teams there up in front.” He stressed the importance of consensus: “You need to gather people together… and then find really the best solutions for the sport.”
Currently, Aprilia leads the riders’, teams’, and constructors’ standings with one of the smaller budgets, while KTM sits fourth with Pedro Acosta and third in the constructors’. As MotoGP prepares for the new 850cc era in 2027, Neumeister’s comments highlight the ongoing debate about how to balance cost control with pure racing excitement.
