British rider Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne has completed a productive three-day IRTA test session aboard the V4 KTM-powered Proton KR machine at the Circuit Catalunya in Barcelona. This was just Byrne’s second outing since joining Team Roberts with the KTM project following an earlier shakedown trial at the Valencia circuit in Spain. In near perfect spring weather Byrne completed 211 laps over three days with a best time of 1:45.68 which was 1.5s faster than his previous best in last year’s Catalunya GP. Byrne set his fastest time after just seven laps of the Sunday morning free practice session on the third and final day. Minor teething problems, not unexpected in a new project, slowed Byrne’s progress in the 40 minute qualifying shoot-out session. KTM’s entry into MotoGP as an engine supplier to Team KR is in its infancy but already the 990cc V4 motor has made an impression on Byrne, a former British Superbike Champion. Despite finishing 19th of the official MotoGP race riders on the time sheets Byrne was enthusiastic about the potential of the Team KR-KTM project. The Barcelona test was hugely valuable for engineers, both from KTM and Team KR, to collect data for the on-going development program. The team now moves on to Jerez in southern Spain for the final pre-season test session (March 25-27) in advance of the opening race of the season on April 10. Shakey Byrne : 1:45.68 (211 laps) “It’s been a really positive test, everyone from Team Roberts, KTM and Michelin have been very motivated and enthusiastic. Kenny Roberts has been unbelievable. He goes out on the track and watches the bike and then comes back to the garage and understands what we need to do to improve. “It’s almost like riding an automatic, a twist and go bike, with such a smooth power delivery. Maybe its too smooth. For such a new project the KTM guys have done an excellent job but for me, and it’s not a criticism, but I would like to have a power delivery that makes the bike jump off the turns a little harder. “If we can do that and keep the throttle connection and smoothness it will be even better. On the chassis set-up I’m looking for a better feeling from the front end. I know everyone is looking forward to Jerez test to build on the work that was done here in Barcelona.”