2017 will definitely be a big year for KTM in Grand Prix. The Austrian brand will then be able to boast of being present in the three elite categories of motorcycle speed. Moto3 will still be there with MotoGP which is actively preparing. But there will also be Moto2. With a Honda engine. At least until 2019…
KTM has ambition and seems determined to play an essential role in Grand Prix. This is certainly already the case in Moto3 where its confrontation with Honda is causing sparks. MotoGP is on track but now Moto2 is showing its mudguards. With a tubular steel frame, KTM enters a discipline characterized by a unique engine supplied by Honda.
This is promising and may surprise. But on speedweek, the boss of Mattighofen Stefan pierer explains, confirming that his armed wing will be the essential Ajo team: “ Aki Ajo will lead our team in Moto2. Working with him is always something special. We expect a lot from this new collaboration ". It must be said that the couple is solid: titles in Moto3 and know-how of the structure demonstrated in Moto2 with the crown acquired last year by Johann zarco, the same one who currently leads the general classification with 25 points on Kidneys and 30 on Sam Lowes.
Now why Moto2? “ For us, it is important to be present in all three categories to follow our drivers. Many young drivers started with us and then had to leave to pursue their careers. We offer them the opportunity to stay. The bike was developed by WP, the fork will be WP, but WP is part of the KTM group. So it will definitely be a KTM ».
A KTM with an engine derived from the Honda 600 CBR… “ It is the regulation that imposes it on us » insists one Stefan pierer who already sees further: “ it must be recognized that with the single engine principle, Moto2 is interesting to follow. It is also a useful step towards accession to MotoGP. We saw that the big leap made by Jack Miller from Moto3 was not easy. The regulations run until 2019. After all, the engine question is open. If Carmelo Ezpeleta asks us, we will study the question. But all our efforts are currently focused on RC16 and MotoGP which are already a big challenge ". Certainly, but the milestones have been set… We will remember that on the drivers side it will be Brad Binder, current KTM official in Moto3 and leader of the championship, with possibly Tom Luthi alongside him, who carried out tests on the RC16, which are designated by rumor.
