As was to be expected, the 2024 rider market talk was ramped up as MotoGP™ returned to action at the Monster Energy British Grand Prix. Alex Rins’ (LCR Honda Castrol) move to Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ to replace Franco Morbidelli was the first domino to fall, but one of the most intriguing situations is playing out within Pierer Mobility AG.

KTM and GASGAS fall under the Pierer Mobility AG umbrella, a group which is led by CEO Stefan Pierer. A lot of the silly season talk has surrounded what’s going to happen in the GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 ranks for next season, with Pol Espargaro having a contract in place for 2024. Augusto Fernandez has done more than enough to show he’s worthy of another year on the premier class grid, but then there’s Red Bull KTM Ajo star boy Pedro Acosta who has made it clear another year in Moto2™ isn’t an option for him in 2024.

That means, with Brad Binder and Jack Miller already confirmed to be Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s pairing, Pierer Mobility AG have three riders to fit into their ranks. Three into two doesn’t go. And the last thing Pierer Mobility AG will want to do is see Acosta move to a rival factory. So there’s some working out to be done.

Speaking to Speedweek.com, KTM Motorsport Director Pit Beirer confirmed that talks have been held with current MotoGP™ Independent Teams about trying to find a slot where they could place one of their riders.

“There was a reasonable conversation at the French GP. Two weeks later they came to a new agreement with their current manufacturer. From their point of view, that makes sense,” said Beirer, talking about Gresini Racing MotoGP™.

A similar conversation was had with LCR Honda boss Lucio Cecchinello: “There were no intensive discussions with Lucio. We just asked about his contract situation. When he informed us that he had a Honda contract for 2024, the conversation ended.

“We don't want to negotiate with anyone who has a valid contract for the coming season. We don't support a culture of snatching teams that are under contract from other manufacturers,” continued Beirer to Speedweek.

A clear answer was also received from CryptoDATA RNF Aprilia boss Razlan Razali, as they have a contract in place for 2024 with the Noale factory.

All is not lost yet though. Beirer also confirmed to Speedweek that their preferred option is to gain two extra places on the MotoGP™ grid through Red Bull KTM Ajo boss Aki Ajo. “Our efforts and wishes are still going in weekly talks with Dorna to get more places,” stated Beirer. How possible that idea is remains to be seen. 

When asked about what the future holds on Thursday at Silverstone, Pol Espargaro said he wasn’t worried about the noise surrounding his seat and the situation regarding himself, Fernandez and Acosta.

“I’m super pleased and happy because the Pierer Mobility Group have been super good with me, I never expected they would treat me in the way they’ve treated me in the last months, I’ve felt huge love from that side,” said the #44, who returned to action for the first time since his Portimao crash at Silverstone – just over four months ago.

“They’ve always said don’t worry about that, the first and most important thing is to recover and then from that moment on, go racing and see what happens. This is the only thing I was looking for. Not caring about the contracts or whatever, the most important thing was to come here fully fit.

“After that I have a contract for 2024 also so for me I’m not worried about that. My expectation is to prove that I can be here, I want to be here. If I’m not fast enough next year for sure I will move away, I love this factory, I love KTM and GASGAS Factory, and they deserve good results. So if the results aren’t coming then I’m going to be the first one to move on and let the young guys like Pedro and Augusto build themselves.

“For me the most important thing at the moment is to see that bike winning. They deserve it. They spent a lot amount of effort to put that bike on the podium and hopefully it will come with me, but if not somebody else needs to do it so I will be happy.”

Espargaro is adamant that this will only come into play next year though. After all, the Spaniard has a contract for 2024. However the 2013 Moto2™ World Champion did admit that every rider needs to prove themselves each year – whether they have a contract in their back pocket or not.

"This is something that even the riders with contracts need to do every year, the riders need to know they need to perform. Each manufacturer puts a lot of effort into this paddock to perform well. If the rider doesn’t perform well then you need to find solutions.

“I’m going to be the first one to move if I’m not performing well, this is not what worries me. I really want to perform and from that moment on I show to everyone that I should be here, this is my place.”

The talk was ramped up during the summer break when Stefen Pierer confirmed to Speedweek that Fernandez’s contract had been renewed for 2024. Asked about that ahead of the British GP, the premier class rookie was adamant nothing has been signed or confirmed.

“Honestly I’ve read the news but my situation is the same as before the summer. Nothing is confirmed so yeah, just waiting for confirmation from the bosses but yeah my situation is the same.”

The reigning Moto2™ World Champion was also asked whether he’d heard anything regarding the talks Pierer Mobility AG had held with Independent Teams. Fernandez was clear in what his preference was if that was something that did come to fruition.

“Yeah I’m trying to close my contract with them. Obviously I want to continue with GASGAS Tech3, I’m happy with them, and I hope to continue in the same place.”

With Pol Espargaro having a contract and Peirer confirming Fernandez’s contract has been renewed, a solution needs to be found to accommodate the impending arrival of Acosta. It's because of the Spaniard's obvious talent and potential that Pierer Mobility AG finds itself in a situation like this. Having too many options is never a bad problem to have, but it is that - a problem. And it's a conundrum that needs to be solved soon. The lengths KTM and GASGAS hierarchy are going to in order to make room for the 2021 Moto3™ World Champion are clear, and it's something Acosta himself finds “impressive”. 

“It’s quite impressive. It’s quite impressive that one manufacturer puts all their support in myself,” said Acosta on Thursday at Silverstone, as the new Moto2™ title race leader continues to wait to find out where he’ll be riding next season.

“And they are believing in myself, the only thing is I have to wait. I believe in them, they are giving 100% since the moment I arrived in the World Championship. And why not? It could be so nice to continue my story with KTM racing in orange and let’s see, why not.

“I’m so happy for him, in the end they’re having very good results,” continued the 19-year-old, speaking about his former Moto2™ teammate Fernandez. “He deserves this place in MotoGP and let’s see. We’re going to have to fight again for the number 37.”

What Pierer Mobility AG end up doing for 2024 remains to be seen. It’s a fascinating situation to keep an eye on ahead of their home round in Austria on the 18-20 of August because it’s usually at the Red Bull Ring where we find out where the jigsaw pieces have fallen for the Austrian manufacturer.

Will two new spots be opened up by Dorna Sports? Is there an option to place one of their riders in a current Independent Team? Or will Pierer Mobility AG be forced to make a decision on who makes up the two spots at GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 in 2024 between Pol Espargaro, Fernandez and Acosta? A huge couple of weeks await.

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