SUCCESSFUL MOTO3 TEST AT JEREZ CONFIRM KTM’S COMMITMENT TO MOTOGP DISCIPLINES
Moto3 Test 2016 – Jerez (ESP)
KTM Motorsports engineers were recently in Jerez to carry out comprehensive Moto3 tests parallel to KTM MotoGP Factory Racing Team’s tests with the new KTM RC16 MotoGP bike. With this, KTM, who enter the premiere class in 2017, underlines its overall commitment to the various disciplines in MotoGP racing.
The Moto3 engineers and crew had two days of perfect weather for tests with the KTM RC250 GP on Thursday and Friday of last week. Each of the three test riders recorded laps equal to the distance of a GP weekend, giving technicians an excellent opportunity to refine and test the bike.
Christian Korntner (Project Leader Moto3) confirmed the tests replaced time lost during April in Brno, which were plagued with bad weather. “Initially we had Nicolo Bulega and Philipp Öttl as test riders at Brno, but because of the limit on tests, Maria Herrera and her team joined Nicolo at Jerez this time. That proved to be a good choice. We also made a deal with Efren Vazquez and although he hadn’t ridden Moto3 bike for half a year and was injured also, he was able to give us very professional and perceptive feedback because of his many years experience.”
The team tested parts, mainly for the chassis performance components for the next evolution 2017. Test riders also positively evaluated technical tests regarding engine components.
This season KTM riders have been impressive in Moto3, Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Ajo) leads with 147 points, 44 points ahead of his closest rival Jorge Navarro of Spain. The South African rider has won three times and has yet not finished off the podium. Korntner confirmed that Binder and a second test rider yet to be chosen, are on the roster for further Moto3 tests in Misano later in the year.
Sky Racing Team VR46 riders Romano Fenati and Nicolo Bulega are currently 3-4 in the Moto3 standings and Leopard Racing’s Joan Mir and Fabio Quartararo are 8-10, placing five KTM riders in the top ten in the standings.