The KTM Racing factory team carried out its final tests with the KTM MotoGP at the Valencia circuit this week in anticipation of its Wildcard at the Grand Prix which will be held there in November.
Mika Kallio and Randy de Puniet took part in this 12th test of the year for three days starting on Wednesday. The weather was excellent in the morning but a light rain set in in the afternoon, which caused a minor fall for Randy de Puniet. Conditions constantly changed during the second day, with the team having to struggle with a track that was sometimes wet, sometimes dry, before the sun reappeared on Friday to conclude this 35th day of testing of the year.
But one of the interesting points of these tests was the presence of the Ducati D16 that Michele Pirro was developing for Jorge Lorenzo and his first contact with the Italian machine during the post-GP tests in Valencia.
It is significant to note that after this confrontation, Mika Kallio speaks of the possibility of scoring points…
Mike leitner (Vice President Onroad): “In one year, we have grown remarkably and I believe this was only possible thanks to the enormous amount of energy and maximum effort of the entire team. We must consider the Wildcard in the last Grand Prix as another test. This will be yet another new situation where we can improve our times in different conditions. It would be ideal if we could finish the race without problems and achieve the best possible performance. However, this will be the first Grand Prix for the KTM RC16 project, while the other teams have already had racing experience throughout the season. »
Sebastian Risse (Onroad Technical Director): “When you look back a year, it’s good to see how we’ve been able to continue to grow since we first tested here. I think our three days here have shown that the package works well. When it comes to speed, we need to get to know the competition even better. From a technical point of view, we will have our attention divided during the four weeks between now and the race. On the one hand because immediately after this we will have our first tests with our MotoGP riders for the coming season, and for this we need a lot of parts. On the other hand, we naturally want to build the best possible bike for Mika by building on the experience we have, and ensure that we can provide the necessary spare parts so that we can go to Valencia with a clear conscience. »
Mika Kallio: “Everyone in the team can really be proud of the work accomplished this year but in motorsport, we never really reach the end. Fortunately, we can see that there is still plenty of room for improvement. I would say our level is good. With Ducati here we had a good reference again, but the race will show us where we really are. Naturally, I will push even harder in front of the fans on the circuit, and I will drive with all the competition, but our goal must be to see the finish line. Maybe we could even score one or a few points and, if everything goes perfectly, maybe even a little more is possible. Our own demands are extremely high and so are external expectations, but we must be realistic and we must continue to concentrate on our work. »
Randy de Puniet: “It was a good year for me, even if I couldn't be on the bike for all twelve tests. There have been considerable improvements each time I've gone, just like here in the final test. I think we were able to prepare for Mika's race again, find new things and also do a lot of sorting between others, but now it's time to race. It will be exciting to see what can be done after just one year of development. I will be there and I will keep my fingers crossed, and of course, I wish the entire team good luck, and above all, success. »
On Sunday November 13, 2016, just one year after launch, the KTM Factory Racing Team will take on the competition at the Valencia GP with Mika Kallio.
Bradley Smith and Pol Espargaro, the two 2017 factory riders, will test the KTM RC16 the following Tuesday and Wednesday before carrying out three days of testing at Jerez the following week.
Except that if we rely on Lin Jarvis' statements, Pol Espargaro, under Yamaha contract, will not be able to participate...
