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Second overall in the manufacturers’ standings in 2024 but still without a Grand Prix win since 2022, Austrian manufacturer KTM retain Brad Binder and his insight into the RC16 but promote Pedro Acosta into the factory squad.‘ El Tiburon’ hit headlines last year with his podiums and pole at Motegi as well as his off-track charisma and straight-to-the-point attitude. A line-up that has all the prospects of success, it’ s been a long-time without a dry Grand Prix win for the Austrian brand. In the post-season test in Barcelona, KTM brought a new set of exhausts and have been trying to work on their throttle connection and make the power smoother and more usable to limit wheelspin. The exhausts featured an exhaust valve them for the first time, perhaps aiming to improve braking. Small steps are what it takes in the world’ s most exciting sport and that’ s what KTM have worked on in contrast
to previous strategies of bringing an array of hard parts to tests. An aerodynamic update after the summer break meant the RC16 was less critical on the front end, and has allowed Acosta to be a regular podium contender.
ACOSTA’ S SPEED AND CHARISMA MAKE HIM CENTRAL TO KTM’ S PUSH BACK TO THE TOP.
Official Programme Petronas Sepang International Circuit