After a particularly challenging race for KTM in Misano on Sunday, subsequent tests were conducted on the same circuit. However, not everything seemed to have gone smoothly for the manufacturer. Francesco Guidotti, reflecting on the tests, expressed that he had hoped for more from the sessions. One of the primary focuses during these tests was the (new) chassis, although it wasn’t exactly a novel introduction.
Francesco Guidotti, the Team Manager of Red Bull KTM, clarified that the chassis tested wasn’t entirely new. As quoted by SPEEDWEEK, he mentioned, “It’s not about a new chassis; there are only minor differences compared to the current versions.”
He further elaborated on the team’s areas of focus and expressed his surprise at the absence of certain anticipated updates. Guidotti said, “We worked in all areas. It was quite surprising for us that we didn’t receive any new aerodynamic parts to try out during this test. However, we dealt with the chassis versions and also tested modified engines for 2024. On Monday, our primary focus was on the hardware.”
In addition to working with KTM’s equipment, the teams were also provided with new tire specifications to use. Guidotti explained, “Michelin gave us two new tire specifications for the rear and one for the front. It made sense to test this compound with the current bikes, so Jack [Miller] eventually reverted to the two bikes from the weekend. These are the tires that might be included in the allocation for 2024.”
Guidotti then shed light on the advantages of the new updates, stating, “With this ‘new technology’, we can work more modularly. We can better adjust the rigidity if needed. This was the first major test of this new technology. So far, we only have the first specimen, but it works. We will test different versions of this technology in the future. In any case, this concept is genuinely promising.”
The feedback from the tests and the insights provided by Guidotti underscore the continuous evolution and adaptation in the world of MotoGP. Teams are consistently striving to enhance their performance, and testing sessions like these are crucial in identifying areas of improvement and innovation.
KTM’s endeavors in Misano reflect the broader landscape of MotoGP, where technological advancements, strategic decisions, and continuous refinement play pivotal roles in shaping the outcomes of races. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how these tests and the insights gained from them translate into on-track performance for KTM and other teams.
In the high-stakes world of MotoGP, where fractions of a second can determine the outcome of a race, every tweak, adjustment, and innovation counts. The feedback from the Misano tests, especially from a seasoned professional like Guidotti, offers a glimpse into the meticulous preparation and relentless pursuit of excellence that defines the sport.
As teams gear up for the next races, fans and enthusiasts will be keenly watching how these technological advancements and strategic decisions play out on the track. The journey of continuous improvement, adaptation, and the quest for perfection in MotoGP continues, with teams like KTM at the forefront of this exciting evolution.