Rider Pedro Acosta has stood out in the initial traffic of the Austrian Grand Prix, generating expectations about the possibility that KTM could end a four-year win drought in MotoGP. The RC16 motorcycle has shown remarkable performance on the Red Bull Ring track, a circuit where the team bases its hopes thanks to its peculiar configuration.
On the first day of practice, Acosta led both sessions, finishing with a time 0.127 seconds ahead of Gresini rider Fermin Aldeguer, while Aprilia rider Ai Ogura came in third. Acosta’s good results contrast with those of Brad Binder, who, despite the difficulties he has faced during the season, managed to enter Q2 directly with the seventh best time.
The end of the reliability issues that affected KTM in the first half of the season has allowed the team to take advantage of the characteristics of the Red Bull Ring, with long straights and a layout that facilitates the maneuverability of the RC16, especially under braking.
Specific Tyres for Austria
One of the aspects that has contributed to KTM’s advantage this year is the use of Michelin tyres with a reinforced rear casing, designed for high-load circuits, such as Buriram and the Red Bull Ring. Acosta won his first sprint race with this configuration, and he is now showing good pace as these tyres have been reintroduced in Austria.
Binder has expressed that this tyre helps the bike not to overstrain the front end, providing him with more confidence when riding. He adds that with less grip on the track than the previous year, KTM’s new setup adapts better to current conditions.
Collaboration Between Riders
Additionally, Acosta and Binder have the opportunity to learn from each other, as both riders have strengths in different sections of the circuit. Acosta has been the fastest in the final sector, while Binder has excelled in the third, which raises expectations for a possible exchange of strategies and improvements throughout the weekend.
With the Red Bull Ring as a favorable ground for KTM, hopes are high, especially considering the presence of representatives from the parent company, Bajaj Auto, which adds even more significance to this competition. Acosta, however, remained cautious about his chances of victory, warning that there are many improvements to be made before the Sunday race.
With the memory of having won here in 2021, KTM hopes to break its win drought, a goal that undoubtedly excites both the team and the fans.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
