The new 1190cc V-twin powered machine qualified an impressive tenth on the grid in the hands of its 21-year-old rider Rene Mahr, but failed to reach the chequered flag after the Austrian crashed out on lap 3.
KTM, initially famous for its off-road machines but now well known for its road racing grand prix programme in the 125 and 250cc classes, expects to spend two seasons' in the Superstock series before making the move to WSBK.
"We want to be here for sure in 2008 and 2009 with the Superstock," Philipp Habsburg, KTM's Head of R&D, told the official WSBK website. "We will see how competitive our bike is in the future and after that it's probably the better moment to do such a big decision and go Superbike racing. Until now from our management there is no decision yet but we are thinking for sure for 2010, that's what we can say and no more."
Aprilia and
BMW are also planning factory WSBK entries in the near future, where they will face established manufacturers' Honda, Ducati, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki.
Following a brief flirtation with
MotoGP in 2005 - during an unsuccessful engine partnership with Team Roberts - KTM is thought to have no existing plans to return to the premier grand prix class.
