Following the three days of testing in Misano, work continued in Aragon for Ktm, this time with Mika Kallio and Randy de Puniet.
The weather conditions were excellent but grip was a little lacking due to a track that had recently been little used. The work was nevertheless able to continue in a positive way with a view to the wild card in November in Valencia…
Mike leitner (Vice President Onroad): “Another very positive test, especially because the team again showed tireless commitment and, ultimately, both drivers were able to give us similar feedback. We were able to complete the development stages in Misano and we made considerable improvements, also in the settings, on a circuit with very little grip. Thanks to these last six days of testing, a lot has been made possible in the short term, and this now allows us to sort out a lot of elements going in various directions for the future. Also, we wanted to test again in August, in very hot conditions, and we had them last week in Italy and also here. We achieved acceptable times in full race simulations, both there and here, and were therefore able to gather extremely important data, particularly regarding the load on the engine and its components.”
Sebastian Risse (Onroad Technical Director): “I think these six days pushed everyone to the limit and, because of this, it was good to see the results we got back at the end. The first two days were entirely devoted to researching grip and numerous comparative tests. Then, on the last day, we were able to get to the point and make some very substantial improvements to the bike, on the one hand regarding what had come out in Misano, and on the other, thanks to brand new data that we could introduce. The focus of the test has gradually changed, but naturally, during the required preparatory work, it is also necessary to devote time to things like race distance and temperature extremes. Now the development window is closing and we have a much better idea of what the bike will look like for Valencia and next season.”
Mika Kallio (MotoGP test rider): “Although I repeat myself, I think last week's tests in Misano, and now here in Aragon, were the best so far. We have really been able to make great progress and thanks to the hard work, everyone can be really happy with what we have achieved. This brings us to a good level for the wild card in Valencia, although we also really need to set ourselves realistic targets because we must not forget that the bike is still quite new. Although, unfortunately, the grip levels remained on a very low level from start to finish, we were able to continue working on most points of the test program and, in the end, we found a new setup for more rear wheel traction, which again gave me more confidence. When we go to Brno for the next test, it will be very interesting to see how things work on a circuit where we already have a lot of references.”
Randy de Puniet (MotoGP test rider): “After about three months it was good to be back on the bike and we had long days and tested a lot of things. The first day was not so easy for me, because I had to mentally adapt to MotoGP again. But the team did a great job again and I hope I was able to confirm a few things along Mika's lines, as well as point out some new directions as well. We were able to improve day by day, and even when the grip was not good and the temperatures were extremely hot, it was also a good contribution for next year. I will also be at the final test in Valencia where I will help the team and Mika prepare as best as possible for the wild card.”
Next week the KTM factory team will work in the wind tunnel again in Cologne before moving on to the next test in three weeks in Brno.
