More than a mixed day for Pit Beirer and all the KTM staff in Valencia. On the one hand, Fabio Di Giannantonio's downgrade due to non-compliant pressures led to Brad Binder's promotion to the podium, despite having crossed the line in fourth place. But on the other hand, how can you not be disappointed. The Mattighofen firm had, at one point, two motorcycles in the first two places. Then, Brad Binder made a mistake, before Jack Miller, in the lead, tasted the Spanish gravel. Disillusionment. We often talk about the progress of KTM, but the last victory (thanks to Oliveira, by the way) still dates back to October 2022.
Like a bitter taste in your mouth. Pit Beirer was not the happiest of men after the last day of competition of the season, and we understand that. « This race was a little too varied for our liking. We were enthusiastic because we could fight at the front with both bikes, victory was within our reach. Finally, Brad is fourth (finally third) but when you get two match points and you realize none, so we can't be satisfied with that » he confided at the end of this long day to the microphones of speedweek.
💥💥💥 @jackmilleraus GOES DOWN!
The KTM duo just let a 1-2 slip through their fingers! 😱@PeccoBagnaia could win the race today! 👀👀👀#ValenciaGP | #PECCOvsMARTIN pic.twitter.com/nnlcKexeUd
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) November 26, 2023
Certainly, Brad Binder is difficult to criticize. Even though he was lucky with the position to return after a muscular overtake on Alex Marquez, he still made a good comeback. For Jack Miller, on the other hand, the pill must have had difficulty passing. The Australian hasn't performed for a long time, and it is still difficult to understand why Pedro Acosta was not selected to join the official team in his place. Let's hope that this final round in 2023 does not call KTM management into question. « Jack was fast, but between performance and crash in MotoGP, the line is fine. He might have deserved the victory, but as is often the case this year, Brad saved our asses. It’s great what he does weekend after weekend” he clarified.
Forced to comment on the hottest news, he gave insight into what he thought of Ducati, in a friendly manner, of course. « Ducati is the benchmark in our sport, but complaining is useless. We have to go back to work » he concluded.
Do you think KTM capable of challenging Ducati in 2024? Tell us in the comments!
Result of the 2023 Valencian Community Grand Prix:
Classification credit: MotoGP.com
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport
