In the eighth MotoGP season, KTM wants to take the next step and regularly fight for victories. There is extensive technical development in the winter tests.
KTM is about to enter its eighth season in the premier class MotoGP. The Austrian brand has celebrated five Grand Prix victories so far. Last year, KTM finished second in the manufacturers’ championship with 373 championship points. But the gap to Ducati was big, as the world champions from Italy collected a whopping 700 points.
Last season, KTM also failed to win a Grand Prix. Brad Binder won two sprints on Saturday. The South African finished the year fourth in the World Championships with five podium finishes. Jack Miller was third at the award ceremony on Sunday.
For the 2024 season, KTM wants to take the next step and challenge Ducati. There was a comprehensive test program during the winter test in Malaysia. After test drivers Dani Pedrosa and Pol Espargaro had tested for three days, it was the factory drivers’ turn.
“It was a lot about the aerodynamics and the engine, because these have to be homologated,” says technology manager Sebastian Risse. There was a further developed carbon chassis, different mechanical components, a new (short) exhaust and different fairings.
MotoGP: KTM has “worked on almost all areas”
“To be honest, it would be easier to ask me what we didn’t touch on the bike,” Risse laughs. “We worked on almost all areas: electronics, chassis rigidity, technical solutions and conceptual work.”
“Everything was focused on what we can do this season. We’re really happy with the progress we’ve made. We’ve already seen the full potential of some things.”
“We see the potential in others, but we still have to find the right compromise when voting.” Before the season opener in Qatar on March 10th, there are two more test days on the Lusail route there on February 19th and 20th.
Where KTM stands in the pecking order was difficult to judge after the Sepang test. But riders feel progress has been made. We still have to put together the overall package for the first race.
“I have the feeling that the package is now very complete and we have all the right people in the right positions,” says motorsport director Pit Beirer. “We had these MotoGP victories and achieved a lot last season.”
“But our big goal, our big dream is to compete for the world championship and I think we are ready for that in 2024. I think we are well prepared.” KTM wants to take the next step.
MotoGP: Binder wants to fight for the world title with KTM in the long term
Binder extended his contract with KTM long-term last year. He is committed until the end of 2026. The ultimate goal is to win the world championship. “I have no doubt that we will do better than fourth place,” says the South African.
“Last season was great at times and difficult at others. I felt like we had more in the bag. The only thing left is to try to finish the job in MotoGP.”
Miller is entering his second season with KTM. With eleventh place in the World Championships, the Australian fell short of expectations last year. But he brought a lot of experience and feedback to the team, especially in the area of electronics. Miller is therefore highly valued by engineers.
“When you find something or find a way at KTM – new ideas, better ideas and strategies – you do everything you can to get them on the track as quickly as possible. I couldn’t fulfill all the wishes I wanted in 2023. I have a whole new list of wishes for 2024.”
Miller’s contract expires at the end of the season. Before the start of the season, KTM had not yet commented on future plans. Augusto Fernandez and Moto2 world champion Pedro Acosta are competing in the Tech3 satellite team, which promotes the GasGas brand.