KTM To Test Its New MotoGP Bike Again. More Tests Than Any Other Manufacturer So Far

KTM seems keen on ensuring its upcoming 850 is set to level the playing field.

Photo by: crash

By: Robbie Bacon

Jun 17, at 7:57am ET

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The MotoGP season is getting spicier with Marc Marquez back in play and Brno around the corner. It's difficult to be mindful of the major shift coming to MotoGP in 2027, as reduced aero and 850cc engines come into play, but we must. There's an opportunity for a different, read 'non-Italian', manufacturer to dominate the grid next year, and you should keep your eye on KTM.

KTM has been catching a lot of flak: they have one of the top prospects in Pedro Acosta, but can't capitalize on his talent because the machinery isn't up to scratch. But the Austrian manufacturer is putting in plenty of work to help ensure its 850cc bike can compete next year—arguably more work than we've seen from other MotoGP teams.

The manufacturer will use a private test in Misano this week to develop its 850cc prototype, and Dani Pedrosa and Pol Espargaro will be the test riders. It's important to note that this will be Espargaro's first ride on a MotoGP bike since he injured his hand in a motocross accident back in April.

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The two-day test at the Misano World Circuit will be the second time the world gets to lay eyes on the 850cc KTM in action, after first seeing it earlier this year at Jerez. That was the first time anyone saw one of the new 850cc prototypes running, and now we have KTM to thank for the second development test, too. By all accounts, it seems like KTM is putting more milage on its 850cc prototype than any other brand.

We know almost all the other manufacturers have tested their 850cc prototypes once, and it's rumored Yamaha has done so behind closed doors. But, in terms of on-track development, KTM's leading the pack. How will that correspond to success in 2027 remains to be seen, but I remain hopeful we'll see a lot more orange toward the front of the pack next year.