Kallio turns first lap on KTM RC16 MotoGP bike

KTM has continued the preparations for its entry into the MotoGP top flight with another test of its RC16 machine in the hands of Mika Kallio. Following a shakedown of the bike last month at the Red Bull Ring, test riders Kallio and Alex Hofmann began work on fettling the RC16 with a full test in Spain alongside its Moto3 teams. Moto2 race winner, Kallio – who competed with KTM in the 250GP class in 2008 before stepping up to MotoGP was getting his first outing on the RC16 and was impressed with the initial feel on the bike.



“Clearly there was still a lot of question marks before the test, but I'm now very happy and I can go into the winter break with a good feeling. Alex and the team have already done impressive work, we had absolutely no problems and we're already on a really high level. Nevertheless we still have a long way to go and I'm looking forward to the next test.” Hofmann, meanwhile, was also pleased to be getting feedback from, describing his lap times as 'respectable' in the circumstances.



“It's good to hear that what we have to say about the bike is going in the same direction. Mika was racing here a few weeks ago and he's still in full racing mode. He was able to put in very respectable lap times at the end of his first day on the bike. This makes it clear that the entire package is working, which is another important step for the team before the winter.” With the manufacturer gearing up to enter MotoGP in 2017, KTM MotoGP consultant Mike Leitner was impressed with the progress the bike has made since its first roll-out.

“I'm very impressed with what the team has achieved in the four weeks since the rollout. There is already an excellent team spirit and this means a quick response onsite followed by considered action at the factory. The GP circuit at Valencia had a lot more grip than Spielberg (Austria's Red Bull Ring) but even this worked very well with our package. “I'm also happy with our current driver line-up. Both are working very professionally and are very analytical. Alex (delivers many useful inputs and even after one day Mika is already at a level where we can continue to work on improving the entire performance.”