KTM officially returns to the MotoGP paddock in 2012 to contest the Moto3 class but in reality it has retained a presence since 2003. While in recent years KTM has not participated in the lower ccm bike categories, this followed the withdrawal of first the 250 cc class and the news that the 125 cc class was also to be taken off the MotoGP program.

 

Ongoing commitment to Red Bull Rookies Cup
After the withdrawal of the 250 class, KTM raced one more year in the 125 cc category and then announced it was also withdrawing rather than participate in the new Moto2 division that had replaced the 250s. KTM however still had a strong presence on the GP racing circuits through its ongoing participation in the Red Bull Rookies Cup. This series nurtures ambitious and talented teenagers who contest the 14-race series on the KTM RC 125, a machine based on the one ridden by Mika Kallio and Marc Marquez in the 125 cc class of MotoGP.

Superbike activities
KTM has also had supported teams in the German International Superbike Series (IDM) during the 2010 and 2011 seasons, narrowly missing the rider’s title in 2010 but winning the Manufacturer’s title. In 2011 Austrian Martin Bauer won the IDM title riding the KTM RC8 R Superbike and KTM was second in the chase for the Manufacturer’s title. A number of young riders also contested the 125 class in the IDM riding the KTM 125 racing machine and were frequently among the best riders. In 2012 KTM has assumed sponsorship for the European Junior Cup in the World Superbike Championships and each young rider will be on a modified version of the KTM 690 Duke for this series.

KTM World Motorcycle Championships Alumni:

Casey Stoner (AUS), competed for KTM in 2004 
14 starts on the KTM RC 125
1 win, 2 podium seconds, 3 podium thirds and 1 pole position 
Finished the season in fifth overall

Julian Simon (E), competed for KTM in 2005-2006 and in 2008
2005 – 125 cc: victory in Britain
2006 – 125 cc: third in Japan
2008 – 250 cc: no podiums

Hiroshi Aoyama (J), competed for KTM in 2006-2008
2006 - 250 cc: victories in Turkey and Japan; second in Portugal; third in China, Great Britain, Czech Republic and Australia. Finished fourth overall
2007 – 250 cc: victories in Germany and Malaysia; second in San Marino; third in Britain; finished sixth overall
2008 – 250 cc: second in China and Malaysia; finished seventh overall

 

Mika Kallio (FIN), competed for KTM in 2003 – 2008
2003 – 125 cc: second place in GP of Malaysia
2004 – 125 cc: second place in GP of Portugal
2005 – 125 cc: victory in GP of Portugal, GP of Germany, GP of Japan, GP of Valencia; second in Jerez, Czech Republic, Malaysia, Qatar; third in France and Catalunya – runner up in World Championship
2006 – 125 cc: victory in China, Netherlands and Japan; second in Qatar, France, Great Britain, Czech Republic, Malaysia and Australia; third in Portugal – runner up in World Championship
2007 – 250 cc: victory in Japan and Spain; second in Germany; third in Czech Republic
2008 - 250 cc: victory in Spain, China and Britain; third in Qatar, Portugal and Australia to finish third overall

Marc Marquez (E), competed for KTM in 2008-2009
2008 – 125 cc: third in Britain
2009 – 125 cc: third in Spain