The year 2027 is tomorrow. Secretly, teams are already hard at work on their new MotoGP models: as a reminder, in 2027, the regulations will change significantly. The bikes will become 850cc, compared to the current 1000cc, with less aerodynamics. The 850cc engine, at the heart of the project, has necessarily focused the attention of the brands competing in the premier class until now. KTM was the first to confirm that a test had taken place.
In an exclusive interview given for speedweek, KTM technical coordinator Sebastian Risse gave many details on this first test carried out on October 3, which was accompanied by a photo shared on Instagram. « This was the first bench test where everything came together, and we observed the power curve at full throttleWe started the design in the middle of last year and by the end of 2024 we were about to order the parts. Our delivery times for some engine parts are long; These are special parts that only a few companies can produce and which require several manufacturing stages.. So it was only a month ago that we had all the parts, and the engine was assembled. Depending on the parts available, tests were carried out, for example on the valve train test bench. This allows us to check that each element is working properly. » he declared.
KTM at work
The worst part is that this is only a prototype. « And that's just the first version; it won't be the engine we ultimately race with.Our experience with the previous project was very positive, but we have to be realistic: the result will not always be as satisfactory. There was one case where the engine became very reliable very quickly; we could take it for granted and worry about how the bike worked with the tires, electronics, etc. We will only be able to assess its effectiveness after road tests with the appropriate tires and this engine. Then we will have to prioritize, and we will clearly see to what extent the engine department and the chassis department will be called upon next year. I am sure we will have a lot of work everywhere. With limited tire allocations and test days, you have to be smart and prioritize. » he continued.
This is a masterwork, the success of which could determine the future of the KTM project. « With the 1000cc engine, the power curve was almost identical to that of the first prototype and the first version of the racing engine. But that was only thanks to its excellent performance. As for its current development, there are thermodynamic limits if we only talk about power. It's not magic, but a thorough job; the simulations work quite well. But when it comes to tire-engine interaction and handling improvements, there's still a lot to be done.. This is what we may have to address next year." he concluded.
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Photo: KTM
Cover photo: KTM
