Round up of the events for this week ’ s Round 7 of MotoGP TM
KTM resurgent
After a tricky start to 2021 , KTM ’ s factory riders were back with a bang in Mugello , Miguel Oliveira scoring a brilliant second place , with Brad Binder an equally impressive fifth . The reason was a switch to a new chassis , first brought to the post-race test at Jerez .
“ The Jerez test was a massive step for us ,” said Motorsport Director Pit Beirer . “ Massive – I mean really small changes to the chassis and small parts , swingarm area and how we mount the engine . We made a step there . We still have both versions in the garage this weekend . The riders want to compare . But from what I saw with the lap time it ’ s quite clear – we made a step and let ’ s hope we can carry that forward to the next races .”
Brad Binder talked up the chassis upgrade . “ The goal for the frame was to help us line the bike up a bit better to get out of the corners better and at Mugello it seems to be working well .” The factory RC16s were a match for the Ducati through the speed traps , too , Miguel Oliveira setting the second quickest speed in FP2 , Binder the third . “ The chassis does help us slightly because it allows us to line up the exit of the corners a bit better . But more so than that we got some new fuel and that has given us a bit of extra speed ,” explained the South African .
Moto3™ penalties for MotoGP™ ?
Fabio Quartararo , Jack Miller and Joan Mir all called for Moto3™-esque penalties to be handed out to a number of MotoGP™ riders , after the end of Friday ’ s FP2 was marked by touring on the edge of the track .
Quartararo was visibly upset by the antics , with as many as eight riders touring on the outside of the track , forcing the Frenchman to abandon one of his flying laps . “ We have to take the same measures in all the categories ,” said Mir . “ It ’ s a dangerous situation for sure .” group . There is no need for it . We don ’ t need to slipstream and it doesn ’ t make a difference for us . They are just looking for a tow and it ’ s ridiculous . If you cannot do the lap-time then don ’ t do it . I understand if there is one of two but a group of eight ? That shouldn ’ t be on , and I think we need to punish and set an example that even in MotoGP™ they are getting this as well . It ’ s not correct .”
Miller was even more vocal , claiming the MotoGP™ riders should be setting an example for the other categories , rather than succumbing to their worst habits . “ There were so many guys in one
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