KTM looks set to seriously compete for victory in MotoGP this season, with a strong team and a competitive package. Although the Qatar tests have started to reveal that Aprilia is ultimately in the same situation, suggesting that there is still a lack of indication on grid positions, the performances of Brad Binder and rookie Pedro Acosta during the Sepang tests suggest promising potential. However, the Ducati fortress still seems impregnable, which saddens team manager Francesco Guidotti, and pushes sports boss Pit Beirer to ask for even more efforts, and in all areas.
The emphasis on development yet to make speed by Francesco Guidotti, team director Red Bull KTM factory, underlines the team's determination to continue improving. Despite satisfactory progress, he recognizes that there is still work to be done to fully compete with the best: “ I'm happy with the work but not the speed » he commented from Losail. “ We think we have other ideas to improve. The riders' feeling is improving day by day and the speed is also improving day by day. We worked on the engine side, the aerodynamic side that you saw, the electronics and something with the frame ».
He adds : " we worked 360 degrees on the bike and it takes time to find the speed with different settings race after race. We are satisfied with the work but not with the speed yet to come ».
« At KTM we want to fight for the championship, there is no strategy against Ducati »
The ambitions of KTM for season 2024 of MotoGP, expressed by Pete Beirer, competition director of the Pierer Mobility group are high. He aims to challenge for the championship and has identified realistic goals to achieve this. Although competition with Ducati be fierce, KTM is determined to overcome obstacles and continue to progress: “ we want to fight for the championship. There is no strategy against Ducati. We tried to improve our project as much as possible in the smallest details ».
The fight for improvement is constant, with close attention paid to details and all aspects of performance, from technique to the mental preparation of the drivers. KTM is aware that every small adjustment can make a big difference on the track: “We try not to neglect anything. Electronics, chassis, suspension, engine. How we work on the race track ».
But also : " how we analyze data, which becomes a very important subject. Growing bigger every year. How quickly can you move from one session to the next over the course of the weekend? This is something that we looked at very, very carefully. ».
And that again… “ there is also how can we help pilots be better prepared. So, with the Red Bull Training Center, the APC, we are working closer than ever to ensure that the drivers are in real daily contact with the coaches. Runners are not just in good physical condition now. It's also about working on the mental side. Reaction times. So we looked at every detail and the better we do, the better we can maybe fight with Ducati » concludes Pit Beirer.
