KTM’s MotoGP team is on a roll.  The relatively new team scored its second MotoGP victory in the space of two weeks at its home track (Red Bull Ring) in Spielberg, Austria.  The team was able to take the win with Miguel Oliveira at the helm of the Red Bull KTM Tech 3 team’s RC16.  It was the 25-year-olds first victory in the MotoGP class.  And, he also is the first Portuguese MotoGP rider to stand on the top step of a MotoGP podium.

Oliveira sprays champagne as the winner of the Styrian GP.

Red Bull Ring firsts

Oliveira’s first win isn’t the only good news for KTM.  Spaniard Pol Espargaro battled to the last corner and finished third, providing KTM with its first double rostrum in the premier MotoGP class.  Very fast in qualifying, Espargaro managed to claim the number one starting position.  Espargaro’s number one starting spot is also a first for KTM.

Miguel Oliveira takes KTM’s second MotoGP win in as many weeks at the Red Bull Ring.

By the end of the race, all four KTM RC16s finished in the top ten.  The KTM’s team results are as follows;

• Miguel Oliveira – 1st – winner
• Pol Espargaro – 3rd – podium
• Brad Binder – 8th
• Iker Lecuona – 10th

KTM’s Styrian GP result was the best of any manufacturer at the event.

Constructors championship

KTM’s team finishes put it squarely in the hunt for the MotoGP constructor’s championship.  The Austrian manufacturer currently sits 3 in the championship, just 6 points out of first place.

Red Bull Racing’s Pol Espargo after winning the first qualifying spot at the Styrian GP.

KTM is the newest manufacturer to join the MotoGP series.  In just its fourth season, the manufacturer will have to give up its concession status and will join the other “major” manufacturers in terms of testing, wildcards, and engine limitations.

Pol Espargaro battled to a 3rd place podium spot on the Red Bull KTM RC16.

It’s clear that KTM is becoming a major force in the MotoGP series.  As additional proof, KTM’s win breaks Ducati’s win streak at the Red Bull Ring.  The streak had been in place since 2016.

Vezi sursa