KTM first MotoGP team back on track

KTM is to become the first MotoGP manufacturer back on track since the easing of coronavirus restrictions.

The Austrian factory will hold a two-day test at its local Red Bull Ring circuit, with Pol Espargaro joining star test rider Dani Pedrosa.

The test, which starts today (Wednesday) is possible as part of the Concessions package available to both KTM and Aprilia.

The Red Bull Ring outing will be the first MotoGP laps for Espargaro since the end of the Qatar test on February 24, but rookie team-mate Brad Binder will have to wait a little longer since he is currently preparing to leave South Africa.

It was recently announced that Concession teams can continue engine development until the end of June, rather than abide by the 'Qatar spec' technical freeze for Honda, Ducati, Yamaha and Suzuki.

While KTM had been happy to 'lock' its engine spec at the same time as the non-Concession manufacturers, Aprilia has a new design to refine and a delay for Concession teams was subsequently announced by the Grand Prix Commission.

As such, the only 2020 parts officially fixed for KTM and Aprilia are the aerodynamics (homologated remotely by all six manufacturers on March 25).

However, KTM told Crash.net that the main purpose of this week's Red Bull Ring test is simply to act as a shakedown, given the long break since bikes and riders were last on track.

The opening race of the delayed MotoGP season is proposed for Jerez on July 19.