This is what we call enjoying the best of both worlds, a recipe constantly sought by many that KTM has however managed to decline with its compatriot and partner Red Bull to optimize its RC16 project in MotoGP. Indeed, with the new concession points also granted to the Austrian firm, and the budget ceiling system put in place in Formula 1, a double impact can be expected this year in the Formula XNUMX Grand Prix. from the men of Mattighofen. Explanation.
Aerodynamic cooperation between KTM et Red Bull en MotoGP, the results of which were seen on the RC16 during the off-season, was made possible thanks to the introduction of the budget cap in Formula 1… For a long time, the two Austrian companies have maintained close contacts, in particular through exchanges between the managers of KTM and Red Bull Racing.
A synergy which is not in its infancy. We will thus remember that the partnership between Red Bull Racing and Mobil 1, which debuted in 2017, also paved the way for collaboration between KTM and Mobil 1 in January 2023. This collaboration is particularly important in the context of this year's switch to 40% non-fossil fuels in MotoGP.
Technical cooperation between KTM et Red Bull Advanced Technologies (RBAT) in the field of aerodynamics of the RC16 became possible in was 2022. This collaboration could be envisaged in part by a major change in Formula 1, namely the introduction of the budget cap in 2021.
The budget cap prompted major Formula 1 teams to downsize, freeing up human resources that could be reallocated to other projects, including cooperation between RBAT and KTM. This collaboration allowed KTM to benefit from the aerodynamic expertise of Red Bull, although MotoGP presents unique challenges compared to Formula 1.
KTM: “ with Red Bull Racing you have a gigantic reservoir of knowledge »
« The door has opened to tap into incredible sources of knowledge " commented Pit Beirer on motorsport total. " With Red Bull Racing, you have a huge pool of knowledge at your disposal ". And he recalls: “ Until now, a MotoGP project required one or two aerodynamicists because the bike was designed with a fairing for top speed. Next, we always had to keep cooling in mind. Today it has become much more complex ».
Cooperation has progressed significantly over time, with exchanges of information and close collaboration between teams KTM and RBAT. This collaboration allowed KTM to improve its performance in MotoGP, with notable progress in terms of lap times during winter testing. “ It started very small, but then we noticed that they really appreciated it Says Beirer. “ We suddenly noticed that there was information coming into the field of aerodynamics that we didn't have. Like many good things, they grow with time ».
Therefore, KTM, with Red Bull, has seen its room for maneuver in terms of development grow thanks to the new generosity granted in MotoGP and the restrictions in force in Formula 1. It definitely made us better and we love working together » specifies the competition manager of the Pierer Mobility group. A godsend from which we are now awaiting the results on the track...
