KTM therefore put the brakes on its direct competitors to take pole position for deconfinement. The Austrian brand thus made its entry into the next world by setting up shop for two days at the Red Bull Ring. To get back on track? Not only that, even if training to work under an unprecedented health protocol was part of the program. But we must also remember that the technical freeze decided for engines and aerodynamics will not take place until June 29. So, it was also about development. Conductor Mike Leitner explains…
Staying away from his RC86 for 16 days was an ordeal for the competition staff of KTM involved in MotoGP. The pilot Pol Espargaro was also in this suffering, so much so that he rushed onto the Austrian track as soon as it opened, no longer worrying about the temperature of the asphalt... A motivation which was also fueled by a substantial work plan . The Mattighofen factory was therefore not only there to unlock itself, but also to develop the machine. An ambition that the presence of the test pilot Dani Pedrosa supported… Like the rare and personal presence of the engine designer, Kurt Trieb.
Mike leitner, the team manager, explains: “ After these two days of testing, I can only say that I am very happy that we were able to organize this test. We were the first MotoGP team to return to the track. This really required enormous efforts from the KTM employees in the competition department in Munderfing. It was not easy to bring all the team members to Austria. All technicians had to undergo a negative Covid 19 test beforehand. These efforts were very important and good for the mentality of the drivers, for the image of the company and for the spirit of the staff in the racing department. I would also like to thank Project Spielberg for making this test possible for us as a race track operator »
“A good test for drivers, staff and factory”
« Overall we were lucky with the weather conditions ", added Leitner. " It was a bit tedious in the morning as the temperatures were initially a very chilly 9 degrees. That's why we waited a bit. But we had excellent conditions ».
« These two days were very useful for Pol, because after the long break he was able to get used to the speed of the MotoGP machine again ", added Leitner. " After three months, every driver urgently needs kilometers on the racing machine again. It was important for Dani Pedrosa that we could finally continue our testing program. Overall, we can speak of a very positive conclusion after this test. We are now excited about the schedule that Dorna plans to release in mid-June. Now we are waiting with joy for the first races, because this is our life, our mentality, our task. Our entire team is looking forward to the start of the season »
Before that, KTM will do another test June at the Red Bull RingAnd then July in Brno, before going down to Spain and joining Jerez. There, another test will take place on July 15, then it will be the Spanish Grand Prix opening the MotoGP season, the July 19.
