KTM to re-enter MotoGP in 2017.

KTM chief, Stefan Pierer announced that the Austrian two-wheeler manufacturer of which Bajaj Auto owns 47 per cent share plans to enter the world of premier class racing. Speaking to Speedweek he revealed KTM’s plan of returning to MotoGP by the 2017 season. For this purpose it has developed the KTM RC16 that will be powered by a V4 powerplant. The KTM RC16 will be unveiled by 2016 after which the Austrian bikemaker will carry out testing and developing. There is also speculation that KTM would jump the gun and field the RC16 prototype as a wild-card entry in the 2016 season of MotoGP itself. 

What will really strike the two-wheeler enthusiasts is the fact that KTM will produce a limited run of close to 100 units of the RC16. Expect the KTM RC16 to be loaded with a plethora of electronic wizardry; V4 motor pumping out around 200PS of peak power, a steel trellis frame, WP sourced top-spec suspension and ample use of carbon fibre to keep the weight low. It is expected that the KTM RC16 will retail for around Rs 1.2 to 1.5 crore and should be a great track tool for millionaire racer boys.

Coming back to MotoGP, one of the main reasons for KTM returning back to MotoGP according to Pierer is the standardisation of ECU, which is a move by the governing body in reducing cost of premiere class racing. It is still unclear whether KTM would participate as a factory team or will be supplying machines to privateers similar to what it does currently in Moto3. KTM isn’t the only two-wheeler giant planning to enter the world of premiere class racing as Suzuki is all set to make a comeback in the 2015 season and Aprilia will bring in its prototype bike in 2016. 

Courtesy: Zigwheels