KTM is in a complicated situation this year, marked by numerous reliability issues with its RC16 motorcycle in the MotoGP category. The team’s motorsport director, Pit Beirer, has admitted that there are issues to be resolved with the engine and that they are seeking special permission to investigate the problems thoroughly.
They have had a series of incidents, including an alarming incident in Barcelona where Alex Marquez crashed into Pedro Acosta when his bike failed at high speed. These breakdowns are not only a problem for KTM but also for the safety of the riders in general, as following behind an RC16 is becoming increasingly risky.
According to MotoGP homologation rules, KTM cannot open the engines to identify the breakdowns due to freezing restrictions. Beirer has argued that safety must be a priority and that he needs the backing of all the other manufacturers to make the necessary modifications.
During the weekend at Sachsenring, KTM tried to convince other manufacturers to obtain this authorization, but only Aprilia offered their support. Beirer thanked the representatives of Aprilia for their help, emphasizing that there is a problem that needs to be solved to ensure safety on the track.
There are precedents for this authorization to modify engine components, as was the case with Yamaha in 2020. However, there is now no certainty about what the breakdowns are on the KTM motorcycle, which makes Ducati, Honda, and Yamaha reluctant to grant any perceived advantage in the championship, with current rules limiting the number of engines that can be used during the season.
The manufacturers that belong to category D of MotoGP concessions, such as KTM, must seal their engines before the first race of the season, which involves delivering an identical unit to the technical direction of the IRTA for control. Once sealed, an engine cannot be opened or disassembled without the authorization of all members of the MSMA.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
