A victory in Brno, a double podium in Styria, and here KTM is propelled into the big leagues in MotoGP. The reward for the work accomplished over the past four years in this RC16 project. But this medal has its downside: the manufacturer will no longer be able to test as it wants and will no longer have nine engines per pilot in its annual allocation. These advantages were ceded by the so-called “concession points” regulation. Scoring six points in a season, according to specific accounting put in place, was synonymous with losing these gifts. The Austrians are at eight. Aprilia has therefore become the only manufacturer to live under a derogation regime, due to its poor results...
KTM celebrates its success which was confirmed during the last three Grands Prix. Three meetings marked by two victories. One to Brno and another on the Red Bull Ring as part of the Grand Prix of Styria. The Austrian brand is third in the constructors' championship with 82 points. He follows Ducati who in 87 and Yamaha which has 88. Suffice to say that the title is possible!
KTM Before this Styrian meeting, it had four concession points out of the six authorized. But one triumph constitutes three more, a result to which is added this third place for Pol Espargaró, contested by Suzuki. Or an additional unit. Brief KTM now largely exceeds the quota and is forced to enter the general regulatory regime.
The concrete consequences
« No matter what advantages we have enjoyed in the past, our work pays off in the end. », declares the winner Miguel Oliveira on the subject. “ The time has now come for us to compete against the best manufacturers by complying with the same rules. Of course, we are losing these concessions, in the meantime I think that KTM has demonstrated what they are capable of in such a short time and we should be happy about that. ».
« I don't think it's just a question of money or resources, but it's also about bringing the right people together around this project, which they managed to do from scratch. I believe that from this point of view, they owe a lot to Mike Leitner » adds the one who made Portugal enter the history of MotoGP.
So what does that mean in concrete terms? From now on, tests will no longer be unlimited and alone Dani Pedrosa will be able to participate, as a test pilot. From 2021, these days will also be more supervised. As with all other manufacturers, the brand will have to name three tracks on which it will run. The engines will remain frozen during the year and its drivers will only have seven instead of nine, assuming the calendar is full. That's not the case today. With the season reduced, the current allocation is five engines per driver, or seven in the case of concession points.
Finally, she will only be allowed to field three wildcards, compared to six previously. When implementing these arrangements, Suzuki, KTM et Aprilia were affected as a newcomer to MotoGP. All that remains isAprilia to bring the exception to life… Next meeting at Misano from September 11. A route which will also organize two meetings in two successive weekends.
