It has been revealed that Lewis Hamilton held "concrete talks" about investing in KTM, according to the manufacturer's motorsport boss, Pit Beirer. The Austrian manufacturer is in a deep financial crisis but has stressed that its motorsport programmes will not be impacted next year. KTM has two teams in MotoGP, a factory outfit and a satellite team (Tech3), and is also heavily involved in the Moto2 and Moto3 junior categories which feed talent into MotoGP. Reportedly, the Austrian brand has liabilities which reach €3 billion and is currently undergoing self-administration under Austrian law. In order to save itself, investment from outside is being considered into its MotoGP project. One party which has reportedly spoken to KTM, is Hamilton's, whose interest in the pinnacle of two-wheeled motorsport is documented. Earlier this year, the seven-time world champion explored potentially investing into the Gresini Ducati team, whilst talks have now been held with KTM. "I can only say that we had very interesting discussions with his management," Pit Beirer told Speedweek . "It's no secret that Lewis Hamilton is interested in MotoGP and is thinking about his own team. “Here, too, there are concrete talks."
Red Bull ties and Liberty Media
Notably, KTM's key partner is energy drink Red Bull, the biggest rival of Monster Energy who Hamilton has been associated with for over a decade. However, the 39-year-old's association with Monster is reportedly ending, ahead of his blockbuster Ferrari move. As a result, it is expected that Red Bull's partnership of KTM would not be an issue. "Anyone who wants to work with us knows about the proximity – Red Bull and KTM are inseparable. That has not been an issue in the negotiations so far," revealed Beirer. He added: "An investor is something different from a sponsor. "We also work with our sponsors in a very strong partnership. When you have partners at the table who give you money for such a great project, they get involved. That should also be positive. “When strong partners sit at the table and think, good solutions come to light together. So it's clear that such people will have a certain say." Of course, F1 owner Liberty Media is currently in the process of completing a takeover for MotoGP from Dorna Sports, which is set to undergo a full investigation by the European Union. Liberty's arrival is believed to be a reason behind Hamilton's growing interest in investing in a team, whilst his links to the Gresini outfit have not entirely ended. Despite Beirer speaking to the media on the talks with Hamilton, the 105-time F1 race winner is believed to be trying to keep his interest and any talks private.
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