Pierer Mobility Group confirms Rally-Raid withdrawal

The parent company of KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas, the Pierer Mobility Group, has confirmed its decision to withdraw from the 2024 World Rally-Raid Championship was made in the the third-quarter of last year, citing safety concerns as one of the drivers behind it.

In a statement responding to an enquiry by bikesales, the Austrian HQ issued the statement via its Australian arm, indicating that the group intends to continue its involvement with the "historical" and "prestigious" Dakar Rally, but said the championship "is still in its early stages" and recent events have "have highlighted several safety concerns".

"As a brand synonymous with competition and the relentless pursuit of excellence in motorsport, KTM, alongside GASGAS and Husqvarna Motorcycles, has made the strategic decision to not participate in the 2024 FIM World Rally-Raid Championship," the statement reads.

"This decision, reached in the autumn of 2023, was not made lightly. Our commitment to motorsport and its community remains unwavering, yet we find ourselves in a period where prioritisation based on strategic objectives and operational considerations is paramount.

"The World Rally-Raid Championship, although a commendable platform for the sport, is still in its early stages. Our analysis, reflecting on both our experiences and future ambitions, has led us to concentrate our efforts and resources towards events that align closely with our core values and long-term objectives.

"The Dakar Rally, with its rich history and unparalleled prestige, remains the cornerstone of our rally-raid endeavours. The event’s global recognition, combined with its rigorous demands on participants, makes it an essential part of our competitive calendar. Our focus on Dakar allows us to allocate our resources more efficiently, ensuring that our involvement in motorsport continues to be both sustainable and impactful. Safety remains a non-negotiable aspect of our participation in any event.

"Recent events in the World Rally-Raid Championship have highlighted several safety concerns which, despite the best efforts of the organisers, have not been fully addressed to our satisfaction. The safety of our riders, team members, and the wider motorsport community is paramount, and any event that poses undue risk cannot be endorsed by our brands.

"In lieu of our participation in the world championship, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, Husqvarna Factory Racing, and Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing will focus on a select roster of preparation events for the Dakar Rally, specifically targeting the Desafio Ruta 40 and the Rallye du Maroc. These events align with our safety standards, competitive ambitions, and operational objectives, ensuring that our teams are optimally prepared for the rigours of Dakar.

"While we regret any disappointment our decision may cause among the fans, we believe that this strategic realignment serves the best interest of our brands, our devoted racing community, and the sport of rally-raid itself.

"We remain committed to advancing the sport of motorcycle racing, contributing to its safety standards, and providing thrilling experiences for our fans worldwide. We eagerly look forward to returning to the world championship stage when conditions align with our strategic objectives and operational standards.”