Three weeks after the tests in Aragon (see here), the Ktm MotoGP factory team continued its preparation at Automotodrom Brno in preparation for its wild card in Valencia and 2017.
This was the third time this year that the Ktm test team brought the RC16 to the Czech circuit, and the 11th series of tests, this time carried out with regular test rider Mika Kallio as well as local rider Karel Abraham .
The Czech Grand Prix circuit, while not as cold as the first test earlier in the year, featured autumnal conditions and, in particular, overnight rain which delayed Wednesday's practice. Fortunately, the weather cleared during the day and late summer temperatures meant suitable track temperature and conditions likely to be almost the same as the next three trips to Valencia.
Statements from the four different people (Mike Leitner (Vice President Onroad, Sebastian Risse, Onroad Technical Director, Mika Kallio et Karel Abraham) a leitmotif emerges; Ktm now no longer needs to ride alone and feels the need to confront the competition to find out exactly where the Austrian motorcycle is located.
Mike Leitner, MotoGP Project Director: “A very positive aspect of the last three tests is that we have had very different conditions each time we have been able to complete the race distance on each of these circuits. At the beginning of the year, we were very happy to have the circuit to ourselves and to carry out our work without being disturbed. But since the Spielberg test we have increasingly wanted more and more competition on the track, like we had at Misano right after, for example. At the last test in Aragon and also here in Brno, where there was a question mark over the conditions and grip, having had competition would perhaps have been very positive to provide more reference points. Fortunately, the next tests will be together with other MotoGP teams before our wild card with Mika Kallio. »
Sebastian Risse (Onroad Technical Director): “We have developed and tested a lot this year and there is no shortage of ideas coming from the team and the factory. Meanwhile, when we run with or against others, it's easier to notice what we still need to do and where we see the greatest potential. Now we are waiting for tests of some final parts which, quote, are now ready for mass production. The motorcycle is also easier to use for the rider and mechanics, particularly in the area of electronics and sensors used for testing. But these are things that won't reflect much on the times. Externally, the bike won't change much between now and Valencia. We expect the following changes to occur after Pol Espargaro and Bradley Smith are allowed to get on the bike for the first time at the IRTA test, immediately after the end of the season. »
We will note the call for Tech3 to release its drivers on the evening of the last Grand Prix...
Mika Kallio (MotoGP test rider): “At the moment it's really difficult to measure our level. Now we need other drivers around us to be able to compare where we are. We tried a lot of things here and we decided to mainly focus on setting up the bike for the next test in Valencia. It will be interesting because it will show us how we can improve in this way. We haven't had any significant technical issues recently, which is very positive compared to our three race simulations. I believe we will continue to improve step by step. We still have a long way to go and there will be a need for one or more big steps forward. But there is very good cooperation and great motivation in the team, and we have a lot of ideas that we hope will help us in the development process. »
Karel Abraham: “I live almost next to the circuit, but the conditions were difficult to predict because I don't regularly ride a MotoGP machine here, but for sure they certainly weren't ideal. We were able to work on a lot on the first day, although we lost some time the morning after a harmless accident, when conditions would have been better. In my last run I rode until the tank was empty, but there was a technical reason for that. I hope to have contributed to the development of the RC16 during the three tests in which I participated. I really enjoyed my time on the bike and with the team. Another big thank you to KTM and the whole team for giving me this opportunity, and for the good cooperation during our time on the circuit. »
The next test will therefore take place in Valencia in three weeks, before the wild card on the same circuit in mid-November with Mika Kallio.
