Source: Supplied.

Red Bull KTM MotoGP Factory Racing Team is officially a fulltime premier class team, as technical director Sebastian Risse works collectively with the factory to fast-forward development of its RC16 race bike.

The official test at Sepang this week enabled factory duo Pol Espargaro and Bradley Smith to gain vital mileage in the lead-up to Qatar’s opening round, alongside team test rider Mika Kallio.

“Our first target for these six days was to check the material and our package, because we have everything new for this year,” Risse said. “Our second target was to find some direction for the problems that the riders told us about at the end of last year. We developed different ideas during the winter and we proved that they were right.

“First, there were the tests with Mika and he was quite happy, then we tested more things with the GP riders and they are also quite happy about our direction, especially regarding the chassis, and also the electronics.

“Lastly we had to get the riders back on track after the winter break because the real season starts now, so we need laps. We all have to learn, and the team needs to work together. Now we’ll see what happens in the next steps.”

Espargaro and Smith recorded identical laptimes at the conclusion of the three days at 2m00.338s, placing them 21st and 22nd respectively, 1.970s from eventual fastest Maverick Viñales on his Movistar Yamaha.

“Everyone was here and everyone was pushing,” team manager Mike Leitner said. “The other manufacturers have a lot of experience on this track and it’s one of the most difficult on the calendar. It was super important to bring all the ideas we have had since Valencia.

“This didn’t help so much regarding the times but for sure we had very good input. The riders did a super job, also Mika in the days before. We should be really happy because we know where we are and we’ll keep pushing.”

The next round of pre-season tests will take place at Phillip Island in Australi,a starting February 15, just short of a month before the first GP in Qatar on 26 March.