KTM has officially unveiled the livery it will run during the 2017 MotoGP season, its first full campaign in the series.
The manufacturer revealed its MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 bikes for the up-coming season at a launch event in Austria.
Following on from a 2016 testing programme with the RC16, the bike debuted at last year’s MotoGP finale at Valencia with Mika Kallio qualifying 20th and failing to reach the finish.
Now, KTM becomes the sixth manufacturer on the MotoGP grid, making its full-time debut in the series this year with Pol Espargaró and Bradley Smith.
MotoGP testing took place at the Phillip Island circuit last week, with Espargaró and Smith finishing 17th and 19th respectively riding their RC16s.
“Right now the bull is a little bit wild, but it feels really good,” said Espargaro. “KTM is really new to MotoGP compared to other brands and we’re making huge steps.
“Every time we jump on the bike we get closer and it’s beautiful to see the evolution. I want to thank KTM for trusting me, and for this project.”
Smith added: “There’s a lot of pressure. It’s something that you’ve always wished for and worked for throughout your career but when you finally get that opportunity there’s the pressure that comes with it.
“But I embrace the opportunity that I have and both me and Pol – and the team – will be working extremely hard. We’ve been busy so far already in the winter tests and the work won’t stop. It’s just the beginning and I’m excited to see what 2017 brings.”
Discussion about this post