Source: Supplied.

Just four weeks after the official debut, KTM test riders Alex Hofmann and Mika Kallio last weekend completed the first tests with the manufacturer’s new MotoGP bike at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, Spain.

Thanks to excellent conditions on the four-kilometer circuit, the two riders were able to put in numerous laps with Hofmann riding the new RC16 on Saturday and Kallio at the helm on Sunday.

“I’m very impressed with what the team has achieved in the four weeks since the roll-out,” KTM MotoGP consultant Mike Leitner said. “There is already an excellent team spirit and this means a quick response onsite followed by considered action at the factory.

“The GP circuit at Valencia had a lot more grip than Spielberg (Austria’s Red Bull Ring), but even this worked very well with our package. I’m also happy with our current driver line-up. Both are working very professionally and are very analytical.”

Kallio commented: “Clearly there was still a lot of question marks before the test, but I’m now very happy and I can go into the winter break with a good feeling. Alex and the team have already done impressive work, we had absolutely no problems and we’re already on a really high level. Nevertheless we still have a long way to go and I’m looking forward to the next test. Until then I’m going home to do some racing on ice to keep myself fit.”

Hofmann added: “It’s good to hear that what we have to say about the bike is going in the same direction. Mika was racing here a few weeks ago and he’s still in full racing mode. He was able to put in very respectful lap times at the end of his first day on the bike. This makes it clear that the entire package is working, which is another important step for the team before the winter.”

In the coming weeks there will be intensive further development of the KTM RC16 using the data collected and the inputs from both test riders ahead of the next test at the beginning of February.