KTM boss Pt Beirer admits he expected “an easier swap” from Yamaha MotoGP machinery to the RC16 for Johann Zarco, who has struggled to adapt since November.
Zarco spent two years on the M1 in Tech3 colours before swapping to the factory KTM squad for this season, but has found the transition tough throughout the winter test period.
The Frenchman ended Friday's running ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix 18th overall, 2.1 seconds off of pacesetter Marc Marquez on the Honda and four tenths adrift of KTM team-mate Pol Espargaro, who made the same transition from Tech3 Yamaha two years ago.
Speaking to motogp.com during Friday practice, Beirer said he Zarco is “riding with a decent speed”, but thought he would have found the transition easier than he has so far.
“I don't want to lie, we expected an easier swap for Johann on to our bike but he's struggling,” said Beirer.
“So it looks like it's proven that you need to ride a KTM different to other bikes, and Johann needs to adapt to our bike.
“At the moment he's riding with a decent speed, but we're not there yet.
“It's the beginning, and if we show with Pol how high we can lift the level, I think it's easier to bring the other bikes there.
“It's the same thing in the Tech3 garage. Hafizh [Syahrin] comes from a strong MotoGP bike and he's struggling to adapt to our bike.”
KTM began the year aiming for consistent top nine finishes in 2019, following its debut podium at the Valencia Grand Prix at the end of last season.
After a strong showing at the Qatar test, in which he was eighth overall, Espargaro believed KTM could "think big” in the opening race of the campaign.
Beirer echoed these comments on Friday, saying testing proved KTM “can be strong” this weekend.
“We're with Pol who knows the bike best,” he added.
“We saw from the test two weeks ago that we can be strong here in Qatar. We are a little surprised because we see Pol get better and better and adapt to the bike.
“He asks for something, we give it to him and he looks better again. So that's running perfect.”
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