The first tests in Sepang revealed encouraging signs for KTM, despite only one bike finishing in the top 10. The Austrian brand has clearly decided to play the innovation card, with a range of new features that could change the game this season.
Tangible Evolutions
Indeed, only one KTM was in the top 10 at the end of the first day, but there were plenty of promising elements within the team. The aggressive approach taken by Mattighofen for development this winter reflects a desire to break away from a previous season marked by financial difficulties that had hindered investments. The riders were able to appreciate a stream of evolutions to evaluate.
Pedro Acosta, in particular, emphasized that this multitude of improvements made him feel like KTM had “built a bike from scratch.” Last year, he faced disappointments, but he did not hide his enthusiasm: “It’s a big improvement compared to last year’s preseason. […] They worked hard, they brought exactly what we asked for.”
However, the road remains long. Acosta expressed reservations, noting that being surprised does not mean being satisfied. During this first day, he spent time testing a new chassis, convinced that KTM’s engineers “seem to have pinpointed” the areas for improvement. “I think regarding the chassis, it’s pretty much resolved. I’m quite happy with it,” he stated, calling this advancement “promising.”
Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech 3)
Feelings That Matter
However, a single day of testing is not enough to draw definitive conclusions. Acosta complained of vibrations, and his 15th fastest time of the day was partly due to a lack of new tires for a timed run. In contrast, Maverick Viñales managed to slip into third place, positioning KTM as the second fastest manufacturer behind Ducati on this first day.
Beyond his time, Viñales was particularly pleased with the sensations he experienced on his machine. Unlike Acosta, he chose to stick with the chassis used during the Valencia test last November, focusing on a new swingarm and aerodynamic parts. “I feel very good with the feedback the bike gives me, the sensations I have,” he expressed. “It’s just that for most of the day, I was on medium-medium tires, which isn’t great for setting good times. But my feelings were good, and as soon as I switched to soft-soft, like the others, I made a leap on the time sheets.”
Viñales also tested aerodynamic elements, which he considers an advancement over the weaknesses observed last year. “Every little thing we try represents an improvement over where we were weak last year. I think they’ve done a great job in that regard, even though there’s still room for improvement and for understanding how I can be faster with the bike.”
Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)
KTM Prepares for What’s Next
Viñales, visibly satisfied, added: “I’m really happy with KTM because it’s the first time in a long time that we see a manufacturer addressing the weaknesses of its bike. For me, it’s great news, it’s fantastic.” This comment bodes well for the season ahead for the rider, who is expected to join the manufacturer’s factory team in the coming months.
On the side of Enea Bastianini and Brad Binder, things seem to still be in the works. The two riders were close in the standings but did not attempt explosive times. Bastianini spent his time fine-tuning settings for better comfort in the saddle and starting his work on aerodynamics. Binder, for his part, took a more conservative approach: “Honestly, I didn’t really try anything today,” he admitted. “We took a conservative approach and started a bit slowly to try to gain speed.”
A Promising Future
Testing continues in Sepang, and after this first day, each KTM rider managed to improve their times compared to the previous day, with a significant gain of 1″2 for Pedro Acosta. This suggests a positive momentum for the upcoming season, and KTM seems determined to compete with the big players. The foundations are laid, and all that remains is to refine everything before the official hostilities begin.
To follow the evolution of these riders and their machines, stay connected to the news on MotoGP, where we will keep you updated on every step of this captivating season.
