KTM is moving forward with its RC16 MotoGP project which is in its third season. Pol Espargaró does what is necessary to mobilize the troops and encourage the Mattighofen staff while on the other side of the box, Johann Zarco has embarked on an exploration of the Austrian machine to decode the winning formula. Pedrosa comes to the rescue and all these beautiful people found themselves in Barcelona for a day of testing. We know the pilot's impressions. Here are those of the team…
It was with a group shot in the fifteenth and sixteenth row that the officials KTM finished their day of testing on a track in Montmeló which had just hosted the Catalan Grand Prix. Johann zarco led the duo in front of a Pol Espargaro who had fallen in the exercise. All within 1.2s of the best time achieved by Casa Particular in Viñales on his Yamaha.
The Spaniard completed 57 laps and focused on the chassis, electronics and aerodynamics. His stablemate, zarco, drove around the Spanish circuit 70 times and also tried a new chassis and saddle to improve feel and pace.
The technical man Sebastian Risse commented after the IRTA test day: “ of course we are happy to be able to improve our motorcycle and that is why we also tried many new parts, such as the frame, swingarm and suspension. And we were able to progress a lot, especially with Johann. I think we found some things that can really help him. Unfortunately, Pol's testing day was cut short due to a crash, but we also found some useful things there. I think Zarco has made a lot of progress overall ».
Mike leitner, manager of the Red Bull KTM team, confirmed: “ It was another productive testing day for us. We had five riders on track with Dani Pedrosa and the two Red Bull KTM Tech3 riders, Miguel Oliveira and Hafizh Syahrin, and each had a testing program tailored to their needs. Overall, we are also completely satisfied ».
« Pol had an accident at the end of the day, but it wasn't too dramatic. Johann focused on a few specific areas of his bike and checked some settings. It was very interesting " added Leitner.
