KTM was strongly opposed to allowing wings and aerodynamic devices in MotoGP, on the grounds that it could become a bottomless pit of investment similar to F1.
If Aprilia can continue its upward MotoGP trend following the loss of technical concessions, it will be the first manufacturer not to take a step back the following season.
KTM's motorsports director Pit Beirer does not believe that batteries are the ‘near future’ of motorcycles over 125cc and would resist any move to introduce hybrid engines into MotoGP.
In this week’s MotoGP gossip column, KTM Motorsport Director, Pit Beirer, describes Pedro Acosta as a 'luxury problem that we have', Francesco Bagnaia claims no other manufacturer has the charm of Ducati and could Jorge Lorenzo be set to join the BOE SKX Moto3 team in a management role?
Pit Beirer explains how and why KTM is restructuring its MotoGP project for the 2022 season, bringing in Francesco Guidotti to join Fabiano Sterlacchini and making more use of Dani Pedrosa.
With trackside staff restricted for closed-door MotoGP races, might the manufacturers put those unable to work at the circuit - or indeed other additional staff - into a 'remote' race weekend role?
It might be an exaggeration to say that the recent lockdown will result in a surge of MotoGP innovation. But KTM Motorsport Director Pit Beirer is sure the time spent by his engineers at home was far from wasted. In other words, you can lockdown the bodies, but not the brains.
Most MotoGP riders are currently in Europe, but rookie Brad Binder is among those that will need to navigate enhanced flight and immigration restrictions to reach July's proposed season-openers at Jerez.
KTM’s Motorsport Director Pit Beirer confirmed the Austrian factory spoke to test rider Dani Pedrosa about the possibility of the Spaniard returning to the class as Johann Zarco’s replacement in 2020, but said he was quietly relieved the three-time world champion said ‘no’.
Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsport Director, has opened up on the reasons behind Johann Zarco’s failed move to KTM, stating that the Frenchman’s temperament was a factor and that the double Moto2 world champion “could not control his emotions.”
After a promising start to the season, Pit Beirer, Director of KTM’s Motorsport activities admitted he was “under pressure” at Jerez. Despite the company’s imminent success in the American Supercross series, aspects of its grand prix programme were not progressing as hoped.
KTM has called the trust shown by Johann Zarco in their plans for MotoGP “a big honour” after months of speculation regarding the Frenchman’s future were put to bed at Jerez, with an announcement confirming he will ride for the Austrian factory alongside Pol Espargaro in 2019 and ’20.
KTM rarely does things by halves. Just four races into 2018, the Austrian factory’s second season in MotoGP, and next year is already firmly in focus. Not only was test rider Mika Kallio on track with a prototype ’19 RC16 at the Spanish Grand Prix.
Motorsport Director Pit Beirer explains the reasons behind KTM’s failure in the Moto3 class in 2017; outlines a change in junior class strategy for the year ahead.
KTM Motorsport director Pit Beirer has revealed the factory offered test rider Mika Kallio “a very respectful test rider contract” on top of a bonus to ensure the Finn remained in his current role for the 2018 season.