In a few weeks, KTM demonstrated that despite a technical freeze imposed by the regulations, it was possible to reverse a complicated situation in the middle of the season. The kind of feat that Ducati failed to achieve last year by dragging out a recurring problem of adaptation to the tires, repeatedly denounced by Dovizioso, while the slump of a manufacturer of the size of Honda shows that It's not easy to get out of a bad situation. And yet, in Mattighofen, it only took them four weeks to redistribute the cards. Since Mugello, Miguel Oliveira has not missed a podium. And Pit Beirer warns that it's not over...
But how far will it go KTM ? Since Mugello and the advent of a new framework, such as the adoption of a new species, the RC16 is simply transformed. Before battling it out in a Dutch Grand Prix at Assen from this weekend, we must take stock of this unprecedented reversal in a MotoGP which a priori prohibits this type of exploit with regulations marked by technical freezing. The room for maneuver is therefore tenuous and does not open up the prospect of a completely redesigned motorcycle.
And yet, the facts are there: at Mugello, Montmeló and Sachsenring, Miguel Oliveira took 65 points on 75 possible, while the leader of the World Championship Fabio Quartararo only collected 51Either 14 less. The Red Bull KTM factory rider is seventh in the World Drivers' Championship, one point behind Casa Particular in Viñales. Brad Binder is eighth in the same ranking, after fourth place in Germany. At the world championship of brands, KTM ranks third behind Ducati and Yamaha.
A flattering result, and even surprising if we remember the situation of the official KTM riders at the start of the season, with, in particular, a Olive tree depressed about the new Michelin tire allocation. But the 3D printer worked in full force to grind a unique tubular frame onto the MotoGP starting grid. With the new essence, these are the elements reported by the Austrian brand to explain the improvement.
But in addition to the raw results, there are the routes on which they were obtained. A context which reinforces the conviction of the sports director Pete Beirer which KTM will now attend all appointments on the calendar: “ we were on the podium with our slightly modified bike on the completely different third circuit » he pointed out after the German Grand Prix. “ Our package worked at Mugello, Barcelona and Sachsenring. So we actually have a very broad spectrum where nothing can surprise us anymore. ". And he adds: “ the season is still very long ».
One last remark which leads to this question: Miguel Oliveira can he be the sensation of the year by winning the world title at stake after starting from very far away? Beirer calm things down by recognizing that KTM is not there yet: “ we were under extreme pressure after the first failed races. The decisive factor for us now is that we were able to turn the situation around in a short time and can now fight for the podium with just as much determination. It was an important step ».
Pit Beirer warns that Miguel Oliveira must be taken care of
« The score will automatically change positively in the next races if we manage to take care of Miguel in this way. If he manages to be as stable as the last times, he will still score a lot of points and move up one or two places ». Olive tree has collected 15 more points than Quartararo in three weeks. He is only 26 points for third place in the world championship.
More Pete Beirer does not want to catch fire: “ our goal is of course to always finish on the podium in the next races. Then our situation in the championship will also improve. For now, we're happy to have turned things around in the first place. Because four weeks ago, no one was speaking from the podium ».
He ends on speedweek : " the pilots also did an incredible job. They remained completely calm when it was our difficult time. And they worked immediately as the bike got better. We have some really fantastic drivers. It should be mentioned! ". Certainly, but with the mention of the sports director on the good treatment he intends to give to Olive tree, the message to Brad Binder is also to help his teammate. And it will come at some point in the season that it will be to the detriment of his own interest…
