Source: Supplied.

Following four weeks of development work, the KTM MotoGP Factory Racing Team returned to Brno on Wednesday and Thursday to complete the fifth test on this year’s program.

As in the previous test in Misano, test rider Mika Kallio and Karel Abraham as the second rider clocked up more than 300 laps on the KTM RC16 in unexpectedly good conditions and without any problems.

The team used the pause between this and the previous test to be ready for the second test at Brno in the best possible way with new parts and new ideas.

“In Misano we had really good test conditions for the first time and we collected an unbelievable amount of information that took us in a broad direction,” said KTM on-road technical director Sebastian Risse.

“We were able to work on specific things here in Brno. That is, on the one hand we were able to make tangible progress concerning the rigidity of the swingarm and the frame. On the other, there was further development in the area of electronics.”

In contrast to the anticipated forecast, there was very good weather and track conditions similar to that in Misano at the beginning of May. This allowed the team to advance on the development work of the MotoGP bike.

“For me this test in Brno was a bit better than in Misano,” Kallio commented. “The bike is beginning to behave more and more as I would like it to do and is easier to ride.

“Firstly because the electronics are engaging better and secondly because we made changes to the front fork and the bike is easier for me to steer.

“But currently I see the greatest potential in the chassis, where we have again tested a lot and we now have a better understanding how the individual changes impact on each other.”

Abraham added: “I achieved my personal goal concerning lap times. We tried very many things and I hope I was able to again deliver a lot of info to the team so that we make another good step forward when I return for my next test.

“For me the test stint was very tiring but I’m very happy with the performance and thankful that the team achieved so much between the tests and here on site.”

The KTM MotoGP Factory Racing Team now travel direct to Spain where tests will continue next week with Kallio and Randy De Puniet and there will be further development on the KTM RC16.