En MotoGP, hardly a meeting goes by without seeing new technical elements flourish, generally aerodynamic appendages, and the Portuguese Grand Prix is no exception to the rule, thanks to KTM.
On Friday, it was the Austrian firm which took the spotlight in this area, by equipping the RC16 with side saddle fins to complement the central fin with a very carefully designed shape to be effective despite the presence of the Dorna camera. .
The principle is the same as on all MotoGP, provide more support on the rear of the bike, in a straight line but also sometimes in turns, to balance the increasing forces exerted on the front.
6 small fins therefore appeared on the sides of the saddle of the Mattighofen machine, a bit in the style of the Honda but less bulky. A priori, due to their shape these elements seem to operate in a straight line, unlike those of the Ducati and the Yamaha, or even the Honda.
Next to these elements, the KTM's wings appear almost "reasonable" and perhaps have a chance of surviving the 2027 regulations which, as we know, will drastically reduce all aerodynamic elements, without removing them completely. For the moment, the regulations concerning aerodynamics (2 packages per year per rider) do not mention the seat backrest, so we can expect other developments.
Another area of work, the air flow around the front wheel. Here again, Ducati and Aprilia seemed ahead with deflectors to channel the airflow. KTM has just responded with bulky elements whose real purpose we don't really know, but which we can assume are channeling towards the Downwash Ducts or whatever serves as them.
All these photos, taken from a distance with a telephoto lens, are somewhat lacking in sharpness, but we will take more from the pit lane as soon as possible, including the new short exhaust on the side...
