The KTM machine is now launched into Grands Prix like a freight train on a dizzying descent, and nothing can stop it. The Moto3 structure is firmly in place, which will be joined next year in the GP paddock by a satellite structure in Moto2, alongside the official Ajo Motorsport team.
Stefan Pierer, CEO of the KTM Group, is very clear: “ We will have a satellite team in Moto2 for the first time in 2018, then we will provide a satellite team in MotoGP in 2019. These are two priority tasks. A second MotoGP team is even part of our contract with Dorna.” Who will be the lucky team elected, Aspar, Marc VDS or Tech3?
First of all, you should know that production means will be available because at KTM, the RC16-Production project has been postponed until further notice. This MotoGP replica should cost between 120 and 000 euros and deliver around 150 hp. Unlike the Honda RC000V-S (220 euros, 213 hp), this motorcycle does not have to be approved for road traffic. “ Our replica will only be available for closed circuit races ", said Stefan Pierer.
Since the current independent teams have fixed contracts until 2021 with Dorna, no additional MotoGP teams will be added. So KTM will have to look towards teams like Pull & Bear Asparagus, Marc VDS ou Tech 3, who now collaborate with Ducati, Honda and Yamaha. Aspar Martinez will already work with KTM in the Moto3 World Championship in 2018. Marc VDS experienced some disappointments with Honda. LCR has privileged links with Honda, Pramac with Ducati, and Avintia is in talks with Suzuki.
« We need to partner with an existing team » explained Stefan Pierer. Hervé Poncharal's French Tech3 team has worked with Yamaha since 2000 and achieved a double victory for the Japanese in the 250cc World Championship with Olivier Jacque and Shinya Nakano.
But if Valentino Rossi were to end his active career after the 2018 season, Dorna boss Carmelo Ezpeleta would welcome him back to MotoGP. And if Rossi doesn't do a joint venture with an existing team, he will most likely get an additional 13th team with two drivers.
And since Rossi's Sky VR46 team will certainly work with Yamaha, Poncharal (he is also the influential IRTA president) may soon be open to proposals from other manufacturers.
At the Aragon GP, Poncharal was full of praise for the Austrian manufacturer. And he wasn't alone.
Photo credits Sebas Romero, Marco Campelli, Dan Istitene gettyimages, Gold and Goose for KTM
Source: Günther Wiesinger for speedweek. com
