The Austrian motorcycle manufacturer encountered significant difficulties during the sprint race at the MotoGP Qatar Grand Prix, marking a challenging start to the 2025 season. The modifications introduced to the RC16 this year appear to have diminished its previous competitive edge. Compounding these issues, the riders continue to grapple with rear chatter, a persistent problem carried over from the previous season. Despite last year's success in Qatar, where Brad Binder achieved podium finishes in both races, the team struggled to replicate that performance.

During Saturday's sprint, none of KTM's riders managed to secure any points, with Maverick Viñales leading the pack in tenth place, trailing far behind race winner Marc Márquez. All KTM competitors opted for the soft rear tire, which ultimately proved unproductive as both Viñales and Pedro Acosta lost their positions within the points-scoring range towards the end of the eleven-lap race. Binder finished fourteenth among the KTM quartet and expressed that the tire selection was merely one of many challenges he faced, citing rear chatter as the primary issue that frequently sent him off course.

As the team prepares for the upcoming main race, optimism remains crucial for overcoming current obstacles. Although Acosta started the Qatar weekend on a hopeful note, describing Friday as his best day of the season thus far, his qualifying position and subsequent performance in the sprint were less than ideal due to critical chatter problems. Both Binder and Acosta acknowledged the need to address these technical issues promptly to improve their chances in future races. With determination and strategic adjustments, the team aims to regain momentum and enhance their competitive standing in the MotoGP championship.