The KTM team had an excellent first season in MotoGP, just like in Moto2. The objectives have therefore been revised upwards for 2018, with high hopes for the Austrian manufacturer.
KTM Group CEO Stefan Pierer is delighted with the situation: “ I only expected the fall 2017 MotoGP results for the second half of the 2018 season. Originally, we weren't expecting that for 2017, and we're very proud. We are happy about it and now we have to channel this euphoria. In 2018, for our second year in MotoGP, we are still in a phase of extreme development.”
Speedweek reminded MotoGP team manager Mike Leitner that Pol Espargaro had considered, after the good performances in October and November, the top 5 as a target for 2018. The CEO of KTM, Stefan pierer, even wants to “sniff the podium”.
What are your realistic goals for the coming season?
“It would be great if we could consistently be in the top eight. When we get to this zone during testing, a lot can happen in the race. Then the jump to the best would no longer be so great.
Do you regret that Mika Kallio can only participate in a maximum of six GPs as a wild card during the 2018 season? Would you have preferred to use it in ten races?
“If he competed in more than five or six Grand Prix, we would have had to look for a new test driver…
“Of course it would be nice if Mika could run a lot. But we also have to look at the whole project. And I'm happy that Mika is playing the role of test pilot with us. With a man so fast, something useful is always found during testing. It was a very important part of the success to have put together such a good test team when we decided to go to MotoGP. »
So far, no German MotoGP rider has found refuge with you. Reiterberger tested in Aragon, Bradl discussed being a test pilot.
“Yes, we spoke to Stefan in case there were any changes to the factory team for 2018. Stefan would have been a good fit for us. But since the factory team remained unchanged, nothing came of it.
You know Stefan from your Honda days. You were team manager for Dani Pedrosa until the end of 2016.
“Yes, I heard from Honda at the time that he was doing quite well as a test driver. And you can hear it even now. Stefan did a very good job at Aprilia, I was told. »
Photo: Mike Leitner, Termas de Rio Hondo 2017 (credit Gold and Goose for KTM)
Source: Speedweek. com
