At KTM, we sent its competition director Pit Beirer to announce that the desired color for this 2024 season was of the order of an orange tone. For this, it will be necessary to prove to be the nightmare of the Ducati red tunics and to have an eye on Marc Marquez, logically ranked among the rivals but also on the list of the next possible recruits...
Before the start of 2024 hostilities scheduled for this weekend in Qatar, Pete Beirer, competition director at KTM, has clearly defined the objective of the 2024 MotoGP season: the Austrian brand wants to compete with the armada Ducati « day and night » from the start of the season.
« Hope and motivation are being able to constantly bothering the Ducatis, day and night. This is what we planned », explains the field person from the Pierer Mobility group. “ We now begin the eighth season. With Brad, we finished the championship in P4. We finished in second place among the manufacturers ».
A reminder to better point out this: “ it's our turn to challenge the heights, in the World Drivers' Championship but also in the World Manufacturers' Championship. We no longer just want to be there, we want to fight for victories and podium places. That's why there is a clear goal: we want to fight for the world title in 2024 ».
Pete Beirer insists on the fact that this project mobilizes a team of more than 150 people, all determined to see their coat of arms win the MotoGP crown. It highlights the importance of passion and motivation in this quest, while recognizing the challenges that must be overcome on the path to success.
« This should in no way sound arrogant ", precise Beirer. “ But it’s such a big project. More than 150 people are very motivated to become MotoGP world champions. We have employees who have been working on this dream with us for ten years now: to become MotoGP world champion.. There is a lot of passion. We are extremely motivated to take the final step “, declared the manager of KTM.
Pit Beirer: “ I don't believe that Marc Marquez is the new number one at Ducati and that he will ensure a clear breakthrough there »
On the technical side, KTM brought various innovations during winter testing, including new fairing elements. The drivers finally agreed to use the same aerodynamic package, thus facilitating coordination and data analysis: “we approved the same aero package for all four drivers,” confirms Beirer. “ There were many different configurations. Each driver could have chosen an individual solution, but we came together and all four drivers use the same aerodynamics. This helps us with data coordination and analysis. We are happy that all drivers chose for the same package » he rejoices.
On the outlook for the season ahead, he delivers this assessment where Marc Marquez appears as a variable to imperatively consider: “ whether or not you manage to become a world champion depends on an incredible number of factors. I don't want to rely on the luck factor, because you are a bad racing team if you rely on the luck factor ».
« But you shouldn't have too much bad luck. It's a sport in which drivers take big risks. The slightest injury can exclude you from the fight for the title. All of this must be taken into account ". That being said he specifies… “ Marc Marquez will be competitive on the Ducati from day one. He is a brilliant racing driver and now rides a very powerful motorcycle. This combination will be very dangerous ».
However … " But I don't believe that he is the new number one at Ducati and that he will ensure a clear breakthrough there. He will have strong competition in his own camp. Pecco Bagnaia is an incredible champion. Jorge Martin has the knives between his teeth… But there is also Brad Binder with our motorcycle. I don't expect a one-man show from Marc. But he will be competitive from day one » he concludes on motorpsort-total.
Working hard to look back at a hell of a ride when he's 80 🤟@ BradBinder_33 had something to say to his past and future self 📩#MotoGP pic.twitter.com/JVAkMg6YeF
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) March 5, 2024
