The MotoGP KTM team in private testing at Le Mans with Zarco and Espargaro
It is not idle in MotoGP while waiting for the next race scheduled for May 5 in Spain: all the teams or almost carry out private tests (Aprilia in Texas, Ducati, Suzuki and Yamaha in Italy), including KTM which went for two days on the Bugatti-Le Mans circuit where the French GP will take place on May 19.
Test driver Mika Kallio – who has just returned from testing – was joined by Johann Zarco and Pol Espargaro, among the few holders allowed to run on a circuit on the calendar thanks to the "concessions" granted to manufacturers without victories and a certain number of podiums (currently Aprilia and KTM: Suzuki is no longer entitled to them since the good results of last season).
- MNC Live:
- MNC special file :
The big absentee from this slightly drenched session is Dani Pedrosa, still recovering from his collarbone operation. The former Honda rider, on whom the Austrians are betting a lot, will take over the handlebars during the official tests scheduled after the Spanish GP. "Pedro" has not been on a MotoGP since his quick contact with the RC16 !
However, the results, to say the least, contrasted at the start of the season force the Orange brand to develop solutions in all directions … If Pol Espargaro signed the best qualification of an RC16 at the GP of the Americas (5th) and points to an encouraging 9th place in the provisional, his teammate Johann Zarco is struggling to an anonymous 19th position…
The main concerns of the French rider are due to the overly physical nature of the Austrian motorcycle and its lack of feeling with the front axle. Two features that some attach to the trellis frame and WP suspensions, real trademarks on which KTM does not wish to return…
Fortunately, the important work carried out during all these tests and the first three races of the season should lead to notable developments for the next Grand Prix scheduled for early May, in Jerez (Spain). We keep our fingers crossed that the areas for improvement suggested by Johann are followed by his new employer !
Related articles
-
Offseason testing – Pol Espargaro dominates MotoGP practice warm-up in Sepang –
Pol Espargaro dominates MotoGP practice warm-up in Sepang The official KTM rider sets the best time of the three days of pre-tests in Sepang (Malaysia)…
-
KTM recruits Brad Binder to replace Johann Zarco in its official MotoGP team in 2020 Brad Binder will finally take the handlebars of the official KTM in…
-
Jean-Michel Bayle clarifies his role with Johann Zarco to help him on the KTM Former French rider Jean-Michel Bayle makes a first assessment after three…
-
GP of Portugal – GP of Portugal Practice FP2: Zarco leads the first day in Portimaõ! –
Portuguese GP FP2 practice: Zarco leads the first day in Portimaõ ! The best time of the first day of MotoGP testing of the 2020 Portuguese GP goes to…
-
In Misano, Zarco takes advantage of the crashes and Espargaro makes the most of the KTM Johann Zarco erases the disappointment of his fault during the GP…
-
Analyzes – MotoGP Valencia GP – Zarco (2nd): “The best way to end my season” –
MotoGP Valencia GP – Zarco (2nd): The best way to end my season Author of three podiums for his first year in MotoGP, Johann Zarco climbed to 6th place…
-
French GP – MotoGP French GP report: Petrucci winner at Le Mans –
MotoGP French GP report: Petrucci winner at Le Mans Danilo Petrucci wins his first wet track 2020 victory at Le Mans, after a French Grand Prix marked by…
-
Analysis – Zarco and KTM in MotoGP: it’s over! – Used KTM
Zarco and KTM in MotoGP: it’s over ! No one is a prophet in his country … The expression fits like a glove (track) at KTM, while Johann Zarco has…
-
Analysis – San Marino MotoGP GP – Zarco (15th): “The engine cut and I had to push” … –
San Marino MotoGP GP – Zarco (15th): The engine cut and I had to push … The image will remain in the annals of motorcycle sport: Johann Zarco who draws…
-
Analysis – MotoGP French GP – Zarco: “I knew something could happen” –
MotoGP French GP – Zarco: I knew something could happen He did it ! Johann Zarco took his first MotoGP podium in front of his home crowd at Le Mans,…