KTM factory riders Pol Espargaro and Johann Zarco have heaped praise on the new engine upgrade introduced for the RC16 at Le Mans, describing it as “amazing”.
KTM have struggled as a team so far this year, with the Austrian squad failing to make tangible progress over the winter.
Espargaro scored the marque’s first MotoGP podium finish at a wet Valencia finale last year, but prior to the engine’s introduction last time out at Le Mans the best result so far was captured by the Spaniard at COTA, where he finished eighth.
A new engine specification was brought to Le Mans last time out, with Espargaro immedietly showing its potential by racing to a strong sixth place finish before ending Friday practice this weekend at Mugello in fourth position, just 0.234 from the fastest time.
"For sure the package is amazing, look what we are doing it’s unbelievable," said Espargaro of the new engine package.
"Just a few races ago we weren’t even in the top ten and now we are. It’s just the first day with it but coming from Le Mans it feels really nice."
Team-mate Zarco concurred that the engine upgrade was working well, but conceded the RC16 still needs improving as far as cornering ability is concerned.
"We are using the new engine and it’s working well and I’m happy that we at least have a good [straight line] speed.
"You really feel the power on the bike, and it’s great to feel it. I just need to control the bike better in the corners because we are faster on the straights but not enough in the corners yet."
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