KTM making progress in tests before 2017 MotoGP debut

The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team is getting prepped to make a 2017 debut with the recent roll-out of the KTM RC16. The race bike was put under three days of comprehensive testing at Austria’s Red Bull Ring.

Test rider Alex Hofmann carried out three days of comprehensive testing with the bike at Austria’s Red Bull Ring, the venue which will see the return of the MotoGP in 2016 after 19 years. The performance tests with the RC16, which has been completely developed in-house by KTM, were conducted in optimum conditions and went exactly according to plan.

Pit Beirer, Motorsport Director, KTM said, “Thursday was a very emotional moment, not only for me but also for the company, and I believe for many KTM fans in Austria and all over the world. This, and the start of the project on the racing circuit are just as important as any lap time. A very big thanks to Alex
Hofmann and the entire team for the excellent performance. The feedback and the fact that we were already able to put in very many laps without any problems gives us a lot of motivation for the next steps in this long journey towards our entry into MotoGP in 2017.”

There are two more tests planned for this year, one more with Alex Hofmann and another with the second test rider Mika Kaliio. There will also be intensive further development on the KTM RC16 at the KTM factory in Austria’s Mattighofen and Munderfing.