Pedro Acosta, the factory KTM rider, highlighted the importance of the new aerodynamic update introduced for the Austrian Grand Prix as a major improvement, particularly in addressing the bike’s previous challenges with turning. During practice sessions at the Red Bull Ring, Acosta set the second-fastest time, trailing only championship leader Marc Marquez, demonstrating the promising impact of the upgrade on his performance.
Turning improvements seen as key development for KTM machines
Acosta explained that the summer efforts by KTM’s engineers finally delivered the aero update he had requested since the Aragon GP in June, noting that although it arrived later than hoped, the team’s work has yielded tangible gains. This update specifically targeted the bike’s handling in corners, an area that had long been a limitation for KTM.
“KTM’s work has paid off, you know,”
Acosta said.
“They were working a lot over the summer to bring me something interesting, because I was asking for this aero since Aragon [in June]. It took time to arrive, but when it arrived we [weren’t sure if it would be an improvement or not].”
“But we really made a big step in the area that we needed, that was the turning. And I’m happy about this.”
Practice session results highlight enhanced cornering ability
The positive effect of the update was evident in the third sector of the Red Bull Ring, known as the most fluid section of the circuit. In this segment, KTM riders significantly improved their lap times, with three machines appearing in the top five. Enea Bastianini of Tech3 led the KTM charge, followed by factory rider Brad Binder in third and Acosta finishing fifth.
Brad Binder secured the 10th-fastest overall time, ensuring automatic qualification for Q2, while Bastianini missed out narrowly, slotting just behind in 11th.
Turning improvements also benefit tire management
Acosta pointed out that the enhanced turning capabilities not only increase speed but also reduce tire wear, which had previously been a problem caused by struggling with cornering. KTM bikes were noted for their strong braking and engine power but fell short in cornering efficiency, resulting in excessive tire degradation caused by over-forcing the rear tire during turns.
“Since KTM arrived in MotoGP, turning was not their strong point. We are super strong in braking, we have a really good engine, traction was not bad at all, but [often we destroyed] the tyres because we were not able to turn and we had to force the rear.”
“Now you don’t need to really force the rear tyre, you just need to maybe try to be slightly more flowing. And you don’t need to really force the bike until the moment that you [would] lose both tyres at the same time.”
Rider views on MotoGP’s stability control system remain skeptical
Acosta maintained his earlier criticism of the MotoGP stability control system after confirming that he had not used it during the Austrian GP practice. According to him, equipment should only be adopted if it helps to increase speed.
“Everything that you bring is to go faster… if it makes us faster, we put it on. But I’ve tried it [a few times] and I don’t really see any benefit.”
Support for this sentiment came from factory Ducati rider Francesco Bagnaia, who also chose not to use the system on Friday. The software has drawn criticism from multiple figures, including two-time world champion Casey Stoner, who compared MotoGP’s approach unfavorably to Formula 1’s mistakes.
Maverick Viñales faces uncertainty due to shoulder injury
On the KTM front, Tech3 rider Maverick Viñales’s participation in the Austrian GP weekend is uncertain as he struggles with a recurring shoulder injury sustained at the German Grand Prix last month. He completed fewer laps than usual on Friday before deciding to end his session early to focus on recovery.
“The shoulder was not so bad this morning,”
Viñales reported.
“But in the afternoon it got a bit more rigid, with less mobility, and it was harder for me to stay inside the bike in the main straight against the wind. So we decided to stop and see how I recover for tomorrow.”
“At the moment, it is really important to listen to the body, to the shoulder, and do the correct steps. We will see how I feel tomorrow morning when I wake up, and make a decision for the day.”
Franco Morbidelli returns to action without fitness concerns
VR46 rider Franco Morbidelli, also recovering from an accident at Sachsenring, experienced a smoother return to racing at the Red Bull Ring. He recorded a seventh-place finish in practice, securing a Q2 slot and confirming that he is competing without any remaining fitness issues, allowing him to continue the weekend as planned.
