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Posted in Racing “I’m part of the inventory,” Wolfgang Felber smiles from behind his glasses. The 58-year old is sitting – socially-distanced – in the dark reception area of KTM’s Motorsport building in Munderfing and is being quizzed about his role in the rapid evolution of the KTM RC16; from MotoGP newboys and learners to Grand Prix winners and front runners. Wolfgang Felber – KTM Factory Racing PC @PhilipPlatzerThe former racer’s fingerprints have been over a large slice of KTM’s track efforts: from the first MotoGP V4 at the beginning of the century to the victorious Moto3 project, WP’s progression in offroad and Supercross and then the company’s current bustling Grand Prix tech. The KTM RC16 is a machine that went from being two seconds-a-lap adrift of the leaders to the peak of the MotoGP pack in just four seasons. Felber has been part of KTM for many years – here he looks on intensely with Heinz Kinigadner, Pit Beirer and Hubert Trunkenpolz as KTM riders battle for the front row in qualifying at the team’s home Grand Prix. PC @PolarityPhotoFelber has been in KTM for almost four decades. He is well placed to have seen the dynamism in Mattighofen since the turn of new millennium and how the distinctive orange livery became prominent in virtually every FIM motorcycling competition. Felber has helped shape the KTM RC16 into the competitive package it is today – here in Brno 2020 it took a first victory with Brad Binder PC @PolarityPhoto“Looking back, I could never have imagined how KTM in general would have developed over these years,” he admits, wistfully. “It is a massive difference. It is like jumping from stone age to modern times. The company rocketed from being a local brand of dirtbikes to a global player in the motorcycle business…” he pauses, “but I can honestly say that every single day of those 38 years was exciting, challenging and never boring. I love my job. It is my passion.” Binder has his eyes on new goals for 2021 PC @PhilipPlatzerWhat has been your role since you came back to the heart of the road racing project in the last two years? Maybe I’m something of a counterpart to all the young engineers here that are much better educated than me, but sometimes you need a guy with a bit of feeling, experience and who might think differently. Perhaps that has been my part in the game. I’m always happy when one of our new guys come along with a new idea. It means the level of the company is rising up and the younger generation also learn and develop their knowledge. I used to race, and this is a plus, even today when I cannot remember every detail of what I was doing on my bikes decades ago! I can still imagine what a rider needs and how the connection between a rider and the bike must be. It’s a philosophical approach. The 2021 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing RC16s of Brad Binder and Miguel Oliveira PC @PhiliptPlatzerWhat about your journey with the KTM RC16? I was more of a specialist for the layout of the chassis but I can say from when I arrived [on the project] there were single components or areas – like the engine or the electronics – that were already with a very good base. It just didn’t fit together 100%. So, we had to meld a union and hone the package. Danilo Petrucci joins the KTM family for 2021 – he will race for the Tech3 KTM Factory Racing squad PC @PhilipPlatzerMuch has been made of the chassis changes and the role of Dani Pedrosa in the last version of the bike… Dani brought his approach of how to ride a MotoGP bike over a full race distance or through a qualifying lap while bearing in mind the 20 different tracks and aspects like different temperatures. He had a general picture of what a MotoGP bike should be. First of all, it has to be good and reliable and a package with which the rider can be confident from Friday morning. Time on a race weekend is very limited. You have the four Free Practice sessions then Q1 and Q2, warm-up and into the race. There is not much time to work on the set-up. If you are ‘off’ on Friday morning then you will suffer all weekend. Dani has this picture, and every modification we test with him, every part, every strategy he keeps this in mind. He doesn’t think only about the next race, he is looking for the next years. Special memories – KTM’s first MotoGP victory in Brno, Czech Republic in 2020 PC @PolarityPhotoThat’s where you’ve had fantastic success last year because the 2020 bike was competitive at a much greater range of circuits compared to 2019 where low grip conditions were very tough… Yeah, that was a big target. Also, another one was to make the bike competitive for all our riders. Until 2019 it was obvious that the bike was very much designed for the needs of Pol Espargaro and the others struggled a bit. Now it is designed more to Dani Pedrosa’s way of thinking and it’s astonishing that also Pol, Brad and Miguel and Iker could all embrace it. We have a very good package now for the riders because their styles are every different. It is a big plus. KTM has progressively gotten closer to the front of the grid throughout the last four years PC @PolarityPhotoHow difficult was it to make a big change on the chassis but also keep the KTM DNA? We didn’t think about the KTM DNA that much. We wanted to make the fastest, most competitive bike. A bike to win. This is automatically the KTM DNA. Felber has been working with KTM for many years – here he is pictured in 2010 at the German IDM Superbike series PC @KTMSo, you didn’t have to keep a strict principal with the frame? The strict principle was to make it from steel, and we are using the newest technology available with this material. Additive manufacturing: the more common term is ‘printing’ steel. The main parts of the frame are printed and welded together. 70-80% of the parts are printed and this gives us a lot of freedom with wall thicknesses and stiffness variations. It’s a big advantage. The philosophy for this chassis – and all the bike – was to deliver more confidence to the rider. A good example for me was the final race in Portimao and the Q2 qualifying laps of Miguel and Pol. The last corner is that fast downhill right hander and both were totally on the limit with their fast laps. The bike was sliding on the front and the rear with about 60-degree lean angle and around 200kmph and you could see the confidence they had: this is the package of rider and bike working fast together. If you can create it then it’s a great thing. Miguel Oliveira will line up alongside Brad Binder for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing in 2021 PC @PhilipPlatzerWhat’s your emotion when you see something like Miguel and Pol fighting on the last corner for a MotoGP win? Not just for me but for all the people involved in the in-house development here in Munderfing it was a special feeling because we are all racers to a degree. Even if the guys are sitting in front of their TV watching the GP in their mind they are also on the bike together with the rider because they have built and developed the motorcycle. They all have their connection to what is going on. Felber’s knowledge and experience play an important role within the team PC @SebasRomeroLastly, the KTM RC16 seemed to make a big step in 2020. Is there another sizeable gain still to come in the 2022 model? Or is it about small tweaks from here? I believe it will be small tweaks from now on because we have reached a good level. It’s different compared to when the project started four years ago and the bike was 2-3 three seconds off. When you start from scratch then you are ‘nowhere’, that’s normal, and you can quickly make big steps to get closer. Now we are in the ballpark and it is very difficult to find improvements. When we are testing we’re happy if we find something which makes the bike five-hundredths of a second faster and it is difficult to identify if it is an improvement or not, even with all the data. You always have the tires and their rate of drop also, so it is hard to judge. The next KTM RC16 also has to be a better bike to ‘fight’. This is also KTM’s DNA because we know motorsports and have been racing for so long. We know from other categories how important this is. 2020 race winners Binder and Oliveira are looking forward to making further steps forward in 2021 PC @PolarityPhoto

Posted in Bikes, People As it is hard to really grasp what a book is about by looking at its cover, it also takes time and effort to discover what truly lies behind that facade of plastic and metal when you first see the KTM 890 ADVENTURE. After using the bike daily and clocking almost 10,000km on it, I finally got to appreciate all the small details that make it one of the most technical motorcycles on the market. By Paolo Cattaneo – @paolocattaneophoto Better together: me and my KTM 890 ADVENTURE – 10,000km and counting PC @PaoloCattaneoWhen I first saw the KTM 890 ADVENTURE in the flesh at the home of KTM in Austria, I was immediately struck by its unorthodox lines. The protruding headlight and unconventional tank shape surely make it stand out from the others. Well, that was almost six months ago and since then I’m proud to say the odometer on the digital dashboard of my 890 ADVENTURE will be reaching the 10k mark soon. What is interesting to understand for this bike, is that its unique design delivers incredible advantages while riding. Better aerodynamics and improved visibility are just few of the perks in having a narrow and aerodynamic front. During the last six months, there were quite a few moments when the benefits this design provides were pretty apparent. The bike is a true pleasure to ride, really smooth and stable… PC @PaoloCattaneoOne of these moments was when I had to cover 500 km in one day traveling from the north to the south of the Italian peninsula. On the highway, the bike is a true pleasure to ride, really smooth and stable even at high speed. The steering damper that comes as standard helps keep the bike steady and the tall windshield is effectively protecting me from a couple of tiny yet annoying rocks that might be shot from the car in front. Fuel consumption on the KTM 890 ADVENTURE is great, especially on highways. With cruising speeds up to 120 km/h, you can get it to consume as low as 4.5 l for every 100 km, which allows for a fuel autonomy of way over 400 km. Different riding modes allow you to take your adventure to the next level PC @PaoloCattaneoAnother thing you get to quickly appreciate is the user interface, which is simple and intuitive even for non tech savvy users. TFT display is bright and quite detailed, able to host “roadbook style” turn-by-turn GPS information, fed directly from your mobile phone. Several riding modes, Bluetooth connectivity, traction control, slip control and cornering ABS are just some of the brilliant technological advancements I like about this bike. There are several combinations to be made in terms of ride modes and it doesn’t take time to find the one that fits every riding condition the best. While riding through the Amalfi Coast for instance, it was a great advantage to have the Cornering ABS and Rain modes enabled. Those narrow and winding coastal roads can get very slippery and dangerous when wet! Riding with the needed peace of mind was a huge plus. In cases like that, the electronics are there to let you enjoy the ride a lot more. The KTM 890 ADVENTURE really is the ultimate gravel traveler (Crete, Greece) PC @PaoloCattaneoAfter all the time on its saddle, what impresses me the most about the KTM 890 ADVENTURE is its versatility. The new parallel twin engine is silent with very few vibrations, but really torquey when needed. The bike “purrs” in low to mid rpm and it’s quite easy to handle through traffic. It doesn’t irradiate heat and it has a wide steering range, ideal for making U-turns or sharp turns. The lower center of gravity gives the sensation of riding a much lighter bike, especially in the city. The throttle response is progressive and very intuitive. During the past few months, I got to spend a few days riding in Athens, Greece, a city that is famed for its big traffic congestions. I remember getting stuck in some pretty tight spot in the Greek capital. The gentle throttle response and the great low to mid performance of the engine matched with the agile riding position deliver a pleasant cruising feeling even in these hectic urban conditions. The gentle throttle response and the great low to mid performance of the engine matched with the agile riding position deliver a pleasant cruising feeling PC @PaoloCattaneoThe KTM 890 ADVENTURE presents some features that belong to the travel segment but also some others that are purely associated with the offroad world. For instance, the Cruise Control unit comes preinstalled on the handlebar switch. A good touch that symbolizes the affinity to the travel segment, proper of much bigger touring bikes. A safety feature that comes embedded with the optional cruise control software is the fact that it cannot be engaged if the MTC is disabled. This prevents accidental rear wheel slippage while throttle management is regulated by the computer. Road stability is excellent, just like a 1200 cc motorcycle. I never really had cruise control on the bikes I owned before. And trust me, it is great! It helps in adopting a more neutral and relaxed position while riding long stretches of highway. For instance, getting from the Dolomites mountains to Tuscany, was quite a trip in one day! A full day of sharp turns and mountain passes and then a 300 km liaison to Florence. I was pretty tired from the intense riding in the morning and I was glad I could rest my back and my arms while riding on a highway with the aid of cruise control. The bike comes standard with wide pegs and brake pedal PC @PaoloCattaneoTo enhance its offroad potential, the bike comes standard with wide pegs and brake pedal, and removable rubber vibration absorber; a detail that marks the connection with the off-road nature of this motorcycle. In the dusty roads, the bike behaves like a bigger enduro. Spending the last couple months based on the island of Crete, there are many spots to explore the bike’s offroad potential. Somewhere in the mountains, there’s a plateau at around 2000m of altitude, called Pakhnes. The road to get there is an absolute adventure itself. Sand, mud, landslides, rocks and snow are just some of the obstacles to overcome to reach the beautiful location. Riding the KTM 890 ADVENTURE up there was simply incredible. It felt like exploring for the first time a new planet. Riding up on those steep Greek mountains definitely requires all the traction and power available! PC @PaoloCattaneoThe different riding modes deliver totally different experiences. The three standard ones are Rain, Offroad and Street. Rally is available after installing the RALLY PACK, which is highly recommended to obtain full access to the “beast”. Rally mode has three different throttle responses available for the rider to choose from: Offroad, Street and Rally. Like in a video game, it’s easy to understand that the different mapping configurations allow different levels of riding difficulty to be unlocked. Progression from one level to the other gives the user access to gain proper confidence with the machine and tune it accordingly to his/her own skills. With several different modes to select from depending on the riding conditions, the Rally mode is where things get exciting. Riding up on those steep Greek mountains definitely requires all the traction and power available! The tires performed excellently in all terrains I’ve covered in this past six months between Austria, Italy and Greece PC @PaoloCattaneoLast but not least, the KTM 890 ADVENTURE comes with some new Avon Trailrider V54 tires. The soft tire compound allows the motorcycle to be pushed to its limits in all tarmac situations. Ideal for mountain roads and even cold climates the tires performed excellently in all terrains I’ve covered in this past six months between Austria, Italy and Greece. They always gave me confidence in approaching turns and even riding down a rocky hill. Overall, the KTM 890 ADVENTURE is a real pleasure to live with. Especially during these weird moments we’re going through, it is a tool to escape the limits of the cities and explore what lies at the end of the dusty roads. In my opinion, it features one of the smoothest, most torquey and powerful engines ever designed by KTM. Agile yet powerful, it is an easy bike to handle yet has all the performance features to transform every ride into an exciting experience you’ll remember for days, or even years… Pakhnes – the road to get there is an absolute adventure itself PC @PaoloCattaneo

Posted in Bikes, People As it is hard to really grasp what a book is about by looking at its cover, it also takes time and effort to discover what truly lies behind that facade of plastic and metal when you first see the KTM 890 ADVENTURE. After using the bike daily and clocking almost 10,000km on it, I finally got to appreciate all the small details that make it one of the most technical motorcycles on the market. By Paolo Cattaneo – @paolocattaneophoto Better together: me and my KTM 890 ADVENTURE – 10,000km and counting PC @PaoloCattaneoWhen I first saw the KTM 890 ADVENTURE in the flesh at the home of KTM in Austria, I was immediately struck by its unorthodox lines. The protruding headlight and unconventional tank shape surely make it stand out from the others. Well, that was almost six months ago and since then I’m proud to say the odometer on the digital dashboard of my 890 ADVENTURE will be reaching the 10k mark soon. What is interesting to understand for this bike, is that its unique design delivers incredible advantages while riding. Better aerodynamics and improved visibility are just few of the perks in having a narrow and aerodynamic front. During the last six months, there were quite a few moments when the benefits this design provides were pretty apparent. The bike is a true pleasure to ride, really smooth and stable… PC @PaoloCattaneoOne of these moments was when I had to cover 500 km in one day traveling from the north to the south of the Italian peninsula. On the highway, the bike is a true pleasure to ride, really smooth and stable even at high speed. The steering damper that comes as standard helps keep the bike steady and the tall windshield is effectively protecting me from a couple of tiny yet annoying rocks that might be shot from the car in front. Fuel consumption on the KTM 890 ADVENTURE is great, especially on highways. With cruising speeds up to 120 km/h, you can get it to consume as low as 4.5 l for every 100 km, which allows for a fuel autonomy of way over 400 km. Different riding modes allow you to take your adventure to the next level PC @PaoloCattaneoAnother thing you get to quickly appreciate is the user interface, which is simple and intuitive even for non tech savvy users. TFT display is bright and quite detailed, able to host “roadbook style” turn-by-turn GPS information, fed directly from your mobile phone. Several riding modes, Bluetooth connectivity, traction control, slip control and cornering ABS are just some of the brilliant technological advancements I like about this bike. There are several combinations to be made in terms of ride modes and it doesn’t take time to find the one that fits every riding condition the best. While riding through the Amalfi Coast for instance, it was a great advantage to have the Cornering ABS and Rain modes enabled. Those narrow and winding coastal roads can get very slippery and dangerous when wet! Riding with the needed peace of mind was a huge plus. In cases like that, the electronics are there to let you enjoy the ride a lot more. The KTM 890 ADVENTURE really is the ultimate gravel traveler (Crete, Greece) PC @PaoloCattaneoAfter all the time on its saddle, what impresses me the most about the KTM 890 ADVENTURE is its versatility. The new parallel twin engine is silent with very few vibrations, but really torquey when needed. The bike “purrs” in low to mid rpm and it’s quite easy to handle through traffic. It doesn’t irradiate heat and it has a wide steering range, ideal for making U-turns or sharp turns. The lower center of gravity gives the sensation of riding a much lighter bike, especially in the city. The throttle response is progressive and very intuitive. During the past few months, I got to spend a few days riding in Athens, Greece, a city that is famed for its big traffic congestions. I remember getting stuck in some pretty tight spot in the Greek capital. The gentle throttle response and the great low to mid performance of the engine matched with the agile riding position deliver a pleasant cruising feeling even in these hectic urban conditions. The gentle throttle response and the great low to mid performance of the engine matched with the agile riding position deliver a pleasant cruising feeling PC @PaoloCattaneoThe KTM 890 ADVENTURE presents some features that belong to the travel segment but also some others that are purely associated with the offroad world. For instance, the Cruise Control unit comes preinstalled on the handlebar switch. A good touch that symbolizes the affinity to the travel segment, proper of much bigger touring bikes. A safety feature that comes embedded with the optional cruise control software is the fact that it cannot be engaged if the MTC is disabled. This prevents accidental rear wheel slippage while throttle management is regulated by the computer. Road stability is excellent, just like a 1200 cc motorcycle. I never really had cruise control on the bikes I owned before. And trust me, it is great! It helps in adopting a more neutral and relaxed position while riding long stretches of highway. For instance, getting from the Dolomites mountains to Tuscany, was quite a trip in one day! A full day of sharp turns and mountain passes and then a 300 km liaison to Florence. I was pretty tired from the intense riding in the morning and I was glad I could rest my back and my arms while riding on a highway with the aid of cruise control. The bike comes standard with wide pegs and brake pedal PC @PaoloCattaneoTo enhance its offroad potential, the bike comes standard with wide pegs and brake pedal, and removable rubber vibration absorber; a detail that marks the connection with the off-road nature of this motorcycle. In the dusty roads, the bike behaves like a bigger enduro. Spending the last couple months based on the island of Crete, there are many spots to explore the bike’s offroad potential. Somewhere in the mountains, there’s a plateau at around 2000m of altitude, called Pakhnes. The road to get there is an absolute adventure itself. Sand, mud, landslides, rocks and snow are just some of the obstacles to overcome to reach the beautiful location. Riding the KTM 890 ADVENTURE up there was simply incredible. It felt like exploring for the first time a new planet. Riding up on those steep Greek mountains definitely requires all the traction and power available! PC @PaoloCattaneoThe different riding modes deliver totally different experiences. The three standard ones are Rain, Offroad and Street. Rally is available after installing the RALLY PACK, which is highly recommended to obtain full access to the “beast”. Rally mode has three different throttle responses available for the rider to choose from: Offroad, Street and Rally. Like in a video game, it’s easy to understand that the different mapping configurations allow different levels of riding difficulty to be unlocked. Progression from one level to the other gives the user access to gain proper confidence with the machine and tune it accordingly to his/her own skills. With several different modes to select from depending on the riding conditions, the Rally mode is where things get exciting. Riding up on those steep Greek mountains definitely requires all the traction and power available! The tires performed excellently in all terrains I’ve covered in this past six months between Austria, Italy and Greece PC @PaoloCattaneoLast but not least, the KTM 890 ADVENTURE comes with some new Avon Trailrider V54 tires. The soft tire compound allows the motorcycle to be pushed to its limits in all tarmac situations. Ideal for mountain roads and even cold climates the tires performed excellently in all terrains I’ve covered in this past six months between Austria, Italy and Greece. They always gave me confidence in approaching turns and even riding down a rocky hill. Overall, the KTM 890 ADVENTURE is a real pleasure to live with. Especially during these weird moments we’re going through, it is a tool to escape the limits of the cities and explore what lies at the end of the dusty roads. In my opinion, it features one of the smoothest, most torquey and powerful engines ever designed by KTM. Agile yet powerful, it is an easy bike to handle yet has all the performance features to transform every ride into an exciting experience you’ll remember for days, or even years… Pakhnes – the road to get there is an absolute adventure itself PC @PaoloCattaneo

Posted in Bikes, Parts & Accessories The KTM 890 DUKE R slashed into the mid-weight naked motorcycle category with a surgeon’s precision. As sharp as it is out-of-the-box, here are 5 areas to focus on to take THE SUPER SCALPEL from backroad blaster to track day terror. THE SUPER SCALPEL, KTM 890 DUKE R – a track weapon that almost obliges you to get your knee close to the tarmac. PC @KTMThe KTM 890 DUKE R isn’t lacking. In fact, it’s probably one of the most complete mid-weight packages available on the market right now. A glance at the impressive spec sheet will confirm this. But, like all things, and knowing what we know about KTM riders, there is always room to make READY TO RACE even RACIER! 1 – PERFORMANCE With 121 HP and hammer-blow levels of torque, the KTM 890 DUKE R isn’t short on power. However, there is one modification which we would say is an absolute must-have when tuning THE SUPER SCALPEL into the ultimate track-day assault weapon – the AKRAPOVIČ KIT “EVOLUTION LINE”. An absolute must-have: the AKRAPOVIČ KIT “EVOLUTION LINE” PC @HeinzMitterbauerMade from high-grade, lightweight titanium, the AKRAPOVIČ KIT “EVOLUTION LINE” not only looks like it belongs on the starting grid, but delivers substantial performance gains (+5 hp), and weight savings too (- 4.5 kg). As a bonus, the AKRAPOVIČ KIT “EVOLUTION LINE” also produces a commanding soundtrack that won’t go unnoticed. 2 – WEIGHT SAVING There isn’t much more we can strip off this mid-weight NAKED. However, like the AKRAPOVIČ KIT “EVOLUTION LINE”, the KTM PowerParts catalog has several weight-saving add-ons which will make the KTM 890 DUKE R even leaner. Save even more weight with the RACE SEA. PC @HeinzMitterbauer The GRP RACE SEAT is an absolute must-have for every ambitious racer. Thanks to its glass-reinforced plastic construction, the RACE SEAT is extremely light and saves more weight by eliminating the need for the standard seat. This also aids in a more direct feel to the motorcycle. The RACE SEAT comes primed and ready for painting. A Neoprene seat cowl pad is also included. GRP START NUMBER PLATE KIT PC @HeinzMitterbauer Save more weight by swapping out the KTM 890 DUKE R’s menacing headlight with the GRP START NUMBER PLATE KIT. Developed for use on the racetrack, the START NUMBER PLATE KIT is perfectly integrated into the motorcycle and gives it that real race bike look. Some race tracks and series regulations will also call for a removal of the side stand. Luckily, we’ve thought of that too with the SIDE STAND REMOVAL KIT. This plug and play system effectively simulates a folded up side stand, and includes all the parts needed to replace the entire side stand bracket. Best of all, it also saves about 1 kg of sprung weight. Ultra-sharp, extremely precise and ready for the track – the KTM 890 DUKE R. PC @KTM3 – HANDLING This is the reason we refer to the KTM 890 DUKE R as THE SUPER SCALPEL. It’s ultra-sharp and extremely precise. For those who want the ultimate race-day advantage, look no further than the WP APEX PRO line of suspension componentry. These high-spec suspension parts have been forged on racetracks around the world, and offer complete setup control. The FACTORY FOOTPEG SYSTEM is another race-day add-on which dramatically improves race-setup and rider-feel on the bike. CNC milled from high-strength aluminum and anodized for longevity, the Factory footpegsystem allows riders to find their perfect positioning on the bike thanks to 8 different positions of adjustability. Knurling on the footpegs also ensures riders maintain boot grip when getting their elbows down. The WP APEX PRO suspension parts have been forged on racetracks around the world, and offer complete setup control. PC @HeinzMitterbauer4 – STOPPING POWER With all that ‘GO’, you’ll need some ‘WOAH!’ The floating Wave brake disc set has been specifically developed for use on the race track. They deliver consistent, high-level braking performance with the perfect dosing capacity to scrub off speed, fast! Best of all, they’ve been engineered to perform in all conditions, wet or shine, with no distortion, no brake juddering and optimum braking feel across the entire temperature range. They also look the business with an anodized inner ring and stainless steel high-performance brake outer ring. Sharper than ever focused on the hardcore KTM naked rider. PC @KTM5 – ATTITUDE Now that your KTM 890 DUKE R has all the ‘go faster’ parts, you’ll need to look the part. The FRONT SPOILER KIT is a well-designed, and perfectly fitted GPR fairing which is also mandatory for some race regulations. The glass reinforced construction is extremely lightweight and made to the highest level of fit and finish, perfectly integrating into the KTM 890 DUKE R’s already aggressive stance. The well-designed and perfectly fitted FRONT SPOILER KIT for the KTM 890 DUKE R. PC @HeinzMitterbauer The KTM PowerParts catalog is also jam-packed full of bits to take your ride to the next level, like the orange anodized BRAKE and CLUTCH LEVER. These are precision CNC milled from high-strength aluminum, and not only look great but have technical and ergonomic added-value too. These are adjustable for reach, extremely lightweight and the levers fold upwards in the event of a crash to prevent breakage. For added lever protection, the FACTORY BRAKE LEVER PROTECTION is also CNC milled from high-strength aluminum and is mandatory in many competitions. This robust level protector gives added protection to the lever in case of unintentional ground or rider contact. And lastly, in the event of an off, the CLUTCH and IGNITION COVER PROTECTORS ensure the engine covers stay safe from any damage. These have been specifically adapted to the shape of the engine cover for a precise fit, and are made from special, high-strength plastic which are largely friction resistant, and will slide, rather than grind, if they hit the deck. If you’d like to find out more about the astonishing KTM 890 DUKE R or any of the KTM PowerParts mentioned above, visit KTM.COM.

Posted in Bikes, Parts & Accessories The KTM 890 DUKE R slashed into the mid-weight naked motorcycle category with a surgeon’s precision. As sharp as it is out-of-the-box, here are 5 areas to focus on to take THE SUPER SCALPEL from backroad blaster to track day terror. THE SUPER SCALPEL, KTM 890 DUKE R – a track weapon that almost obliges you to get your knee close to the tarmac. PC @KTMThe KTM 890 DUKE R isn’t lacking. In fact, it’s probably one of the most complete mid-weight packages available on the market right now. A glance at the impressive spec sheet will confirm this. But, like all things, and knowing what we know about KTM riders, there is always room to make READY TO RACE even RACIER! 1 – PERFORMANCE With 121 HP and hammer-blow levels of torque, the KTM 890 DUKE R isn’t short on power. However, there is one modification which we would say is an absolute must-have when tuning THE SUPER SCALPEL into the ultimate track-day assault weapon – the AKRAPOVIČ KIT “EVOLUTION LINE”. An absolute must-have: the AKRAPOVIČ KIT “EVOLUTION LINE” PC @HeinzMitterbauerMade from high-grade, lightweight titanium, the AKRAPOVIČ KIT “EVOLUTION LINE” not only looks like it belongs on the starting grid, but delivers substantial performance gains (+5 hp), and weight savings too (- 4.5 kg). As a bonus, the AKRAPOVIČ KIT “EVOLUTION LINE” also produces a commanding soundtrack that won’t go unnoticed. 2 – WEIGHT SAVING There isn’t much more we can strip off this mid-weight NAKED. However, like the AKRAPOVIČ KIT “EVOLUTION LINE”, the KTM PowerParts catalog has several weight-saving add-ons which will make the KTM 890 DUKE R even leaner. Save even more weight with the RACE SEA. PC @HeinzMitterbauer The GRP RACE SEAT is an absolute must-have for every ambitious racer. Thanks to its glass-reinforced plastic construction, the RACE SEAT is extremely light and saves more weight by eliminating the need for the standard seat. This also aids in a more direct feel to the motorcycle. The RACE SEAT comes primed and ready for painting. A Neoprene seat cowl pad is also included. GRP START NUMBER PLATE KIT PC @HeinzMitterbauer Save more weight by swapping out the KTM 890 DUKE R’s menacing headlight with the GRP START NUMBER PLATE KIT. Developed for use on the racetrack, the START NUMBER PLATE KIT is perfectly integrated into the motorcycle and gives it that real race bike look. Some race tracks and series regulations will also call for a removal of the side stand. Luckily, we’ve thought of that too with the SIDE STAND REMOVAL KIT. This plug and play system effectively simulates a folded up side stand, and includes all the parts needed to replace the entire side stand bracket. Best of all, it also saves about 1 kg of sprung weight. Ultra-sharp, extremely precise and ready for the track – the KTM 890 DUKE R. PC @KTM3 – HANDLING This is the reason we refer to the KTM 890 DUKE R as THE SUPER SCALPEL. It’s ultra-sharp and extremely precise. For those who want the ultimate race-day advantage, look no further than the WP APEX PRO line of suspension componentry. These high-spec suspension parts have been forged on racetracks around the world, and offer complete setup control. The FACTORY FOOTPEG SYSTEM is another race-day add-on which dramatically improves race-setup and rider-feel on the bike. CNC milled from high-strength aluminum and anodized for longevity, the Factory footpegsystem allows riders to find their perfect positioning on the bike thanks to 8 different positions of adjustability. Knurling on the footpegs also ensures riders maintain boot grip when getting their elbows down. The WP APEX PRO suspension parts have been forged on racetracks around the world, and offer complete setup control. PC @HeinzMitterbauer4 – STOPPING POWER With all that ‘GO’, you’ll need some ‘WOAH!’ The floating Wave brake disc set has been specifically developed for use on the race track. They deliver consistent, high-level braking performance with the perfect dosing capacity to scrub off speed, fast! Best of all, they’ve been engineered to perform in all conditions, wet or shine, with no distortion, no brake juddering and optimum braking feel across the entire temperature range. They also look the business with an anodized inner ring and stainless steel high-performance brake outer ring. Sharper than ever focused on the hardcore KTM naked rider. PC @KTM5 – ATTITUDE Now that your KTM 890 DUKE R has all the ‘go faster’ parts, you’ll need to look the part. The FRONT SPOILER KIT is a well-designed, and perfectly fitted GPR fairing which is also mandatory for some race regulations. The glass reinforced construction is extremely lightweight and made to the highest level of fit and finish, perfectly integrating into the KTM 890 DUKE R’s already aggressive stance. The well-designed and perfectly fitted FRONT SPOILER KIT for the KTM 890 DUKE R. PC @HeinzMitterbauer The KTM PowerParts catalog is also jam-packed full of bits to take your ride to the next level, like the orange anodized BRAKE and CLUTCH LEVER. These are precision CNC milled from high-strength aluminum, and not only look great but have technical and ergonomic added-value too. These are adjustable for reach, extremely lightweight and the levers fold upwards in the event of a crash to prevent breakage. For added lever protection, the FACTORY BRAKE LEVER PROTECTION is also CNC milled from high-strength aluminum and is mandatory in many competitions. This robust level protector gives added protection to the lever in case of unintentional ground or rider contact. And lastly, in the event of an off, the CLUTCH and IGNITION COVER PROTECTORS ensure the engine covers stay safe from any damage. These have been specifically adapted to the shape of the engine cover for a precise fit, and are made from special, high-strength plastic which are largely friction resistant, and will slide, rather than grind, if they hit the deck. If you’d like to find out more about the astonishing KTM 890 DUKE R or any of the KTM PowerParts mentioned above, visit KTM.COM.

Posted in Racing Kilometer after kilometer the concentration, the energy, the navigation, the physicality and all while keeping the throttle absolutely twisted. Desert dunes, to rocky mountains, the Dakar Rally is a battle of endurance for both rider and machine. The 2021 Dakar presented some outstanding landscapes, here Toby Price is powering past the ocean. PC @RedBullContentPoolThe 2021 Dakar was a whirlwind from start to finish. Not just because of the challenges the teams and organisers faced to even get there and make the event happen, but because of its intensity, its landscapes and incredible stories. The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team are no strangers to victory at the world-famous event, having won on an incredible 18 occasions, and while victory wasn’t orange in 2021 this January, the team took the battle to the wire to finish with a podium result. Sam Sunderland clinches a podium finish at the 2021 Dakar Rally. PC @RallyZoneWith a three-rider line-up all with Dakar winning experience, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing had made its pre-season preparations in Dubai. Matthias Walkner, Sam Sunderland and Toby Price were especially happy to be back on their KTM 450 RALLY machines after a rather empty 2020 season due to the pandemic. We know racers have to be fully immersed in their sport, and Price committed five months to living in a hotel away from home – in his words ‘all for the hope of that moment of glory’. The 2021 Dakar, which moved from South America to the Middle East two years ago, provided a high level of competition with big desert battles, rocky and stony terrain, a variety of weathers and a race to remember. Making the most of his pre-race prep, Price put the hammer down with a stage win on day one and six and would claim the lead of the race on reaching the rest day after stage six. The Dakar stories are legendary – Toby Price repairs his tire with tie-wraps and gaffa tape. PC @RallyZoneIncredible stories are a mainstay of this tough race, which navigated this year over 7,646 km and the marathon stage, which began the day after rest day, particularly brought its challenges. A cut tire for Price after hitting a rock and no intervention allowed from team members overnight meant he had to make a special repair with gaffa tape and cable ties, which amazingly held out over 709 kilometers the next day. It’s a legendary tale; he made it back, with one cable tie remaining and in second position on the stage despite riding ‘conservatively’. Whether the fatigue associated with that incredible feat was a factor or not, the two-time Dakar winner was injured on stage nine and unfortunately had to abandon the race. Sam Sunderland blasts through the rocky landscape. PC @RedBullContentPoolTalking about digging deep and overcoming challenges; Austrian ace Walkner made an incredible comeback from a technical issue on stage two, where he lost approximately two hours over the leaders. He battled day by day to fight for an impressive ninth overall. With Sunderland the only man in the fight for the number one spot, the British ace had ridden consistently throughout and a stage win on the penultimate day after an astounding effort put him within a handful of minutes of the race leader. After a Dakar where the pendulum of results swung each day, he knew that opening the final stage would possibly be a disadvantage, and while he battled to the final moments, Sunderland concluded the event in a commendable third after one of the toughest Dakars in recent memory. Matthias Walkner fought back from a technical issue for an impressive top 10 finish PC @RallyZone“After losing over two hours early on, I knew fighting for the podium would be almost impossible. From then on, my plan was just to take each day as it comes and aim for good stage finishes and a nice, safe end to the race. To finish ninth overall is really good, especially with such a high level of competition. Now I’m hoping we can get more racing done this year and come back next Dakar for a better result,” said Walkner. Sanders celebrates with his mentor, Jordi Viladoms, KTM Factory Racing team manager and former racer. PC @RallyZoneA hugely notable performance was from KTM rookie Daniel Sanders. A face planting crash and a hugely swollen lip due to a bee sting could not slow the Aussie down. With top three stage finishes and consistently fast performances, the former enduro racer did an incredible job to finish fourth. He’s set the bar high; Dakar was only his second Cross-Country Rally, but with the mentoring of the KTM Factory Racing Team Manager Jordi Viladoms, as well as the opportunity to learn from his peers, Sanders has made the best of his opportunity in the KTM Factory Racing Junior Rally Program to establish himself as a serious contender. Sunderland battles the terrain with the Heli following at speed. PC @RallyZone“All in all, it’s been a pretty perfect first Dakar for me. It started off with a good Prologue and then day-by-day I learned a little more and gained as much experience as possible. I’m really pleased to come away with fourth overall and as first rookie, so that’s cool. I’ve only really spent four months on the KTM rally bike, learning as much as I can for this, so I can’t thank Jordi and the whole team enough for all the hard work they have done and the faith they put in me,” said Sanders on completing the rally. Walkner tackles the rocky ground aboard his KTM 450 RALLY. PC @RallyZoneThe team of course had hoped for more but as stated by Viladoms, it was an incredibly tough event: “After fighting for the whole race, to come away with a podium is positive, but of course we had hoped for more. Clearly, this event has been hugely challenging for all competitors, a true test of character and a true test of not only the riders but all of our team. I’m very proud of the effort everyone has given.” Another impressive image of Sam Sunderland, who made time up in the final few days to finish on the podium in third. PC @RallyZoneOn reaching the finish with a podium third Sunderland said: “I’m glad to be here safe at the finish line and in third place. I honestly think that has been one of the toughest races I have ever done – the pace at the top is so high, we’re having to fight every single day and there is no time to relax.” The Dakar Rally is a huge team effort, with the travelling bivouac that follows and supports the event for its 12 stages. The magic of this thrilling race, which also includes other classes such as cars, trucks and quads is so special and we’re already looking forward to next year. In the meantime, check out some of the incredible images from the second half of the 2021 Dakar Rally. Sanders navigates the sandy conditions. PC @RallyZoneWalkner at speed through the changeable terrain of the 2021 Dakar. PC @RallyZoneDaniel Sanders finished as top rookie after a fast and consistent performance at only his second cross-country rally. PC @RallyZoneJordi Viladoms congratulates Sam Sunderland on his podium result. PC @RallyZoneExhausted but at the finish – Sunderland, Sanders and Walkner complete the 2021 Dakar Rally. PC @RallyZoneSanders grabs Sunderland’s bike as he does a celebratory burnout. PC @RallyZone

Posted in Racing Kilometer after kilometer the concentration, the energy, the navigation, the physicality and all while keeping the throttle absolutely twisted. Desert dunes, to rocky mountains, the Dakar Rally is a battle of endurance for both rider and machine. The 2021 Dakar presented some outstanding landscapes, here Toby Price is powering past the ocean. PC @RedBullContentPoolThe 2021 Dakar was a whirlwind from start to finish. Not just because of the challenges the teams and organisers faced to even get there and make the event happen, but because of its intensity, its landscapes and incredible stories. The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team are no strangers to victory at the world-famous event, having won on an incredible 18 occasions, and while victory wasn’t orange in 2021 this January, the team took the battle to the wire to finish with a podium result. Sam Sunderland clinches a podium finish at the 2021 Dakar Rally. PC @RallyZoneWith a three-rider line-up all with Dakar winning experience, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing had made its pre-season preparations in Dubai. Matthias Walkner, Sam Sunderland and Toby Price were especially happy to be back on their KTM 450 RALLY machines after a rather empty 2020 season due to the pandemic. We know racers have to be fully immersed in their sport, and Price committed five months to living in a hotel away from home – in his words ‘all for the hope of that moment of glory’. The 2021 Dakar, which moved from South America to the Middle East two years ago, provided a high level of competition with big desert battles, rocky and stony terrain, a variety of weathers and a race to remember. Making the most of his pre-race prep, Price put the hammer down with a stage win on day one and six and would claim the lead of the race on reaching the rest day after stage six. The Dakar stories are legendary – Toby Price repairs his tire with tie-wraps and gaffa tape. PC @RallyZoneIncredible stories are a mainstay of this tough race, which navigated this year over 7,646 km and the marathon stage, which began the day after rest day, particularly brought its challenges. A cut tire for Price after hitting a rock and no intervention allowed from team members overnight meant he had to make a special repair with gaffa tape and cable ties, which amazingly held out over 709 kilometers the next day. It’s a legendary tale; he made it back, with one cable tie remaining and in second position on the stage despite riding ‘conservatively’. Whether the fatigue associated with that incredible feat was a factor or not, the two-time Dakar winner was injured on stage nine and unfortunately had to abandon the race. Sam Sunderland blasts through the rocky landscape. PC @RedBullContentPoolTalking about digging deep and overcoming challenges; Austrian ace Walkner made an incredible comeback from a technical issue on stage two, where he lost approximately two hours over the leaders. He battled day by day to fight for an impressive ninth overall. With Sunderland the only man in the fight for the number one spot, the British ace had ridden consistently throughout and a stage win on the penultimate day after an astounding effort put him within a handful of minutes of the race leader. After a Dakar where the pendulum of results swung each day, he knew that opening the final stage would possibly be a disadvantage, and while he battled to the final moments, Sunderland concluded the event in a commendable third after one of the toughest Dakars in recent memory. Matthias Walkner fought back from a technical issue for an impressive top 10 finish PC @RallyZone“After losing over two hours early on, I knew fighting for the podium would be almost impossible. From then on, my plan was just to take each day as it comes and aim for good stage finishes and a nice, safe end to the race. To finish ninth overall is really good, especially with such a high level of competition. Now I’m hoping we can get more racing done this year and come back next Dakar for a better result,” said Walkner. Sanders celebrates with his mentor, Jordi Viladoms, KTM Factory Racing team manager and former racer. PC @RallyZoneA hugely notable performance was from KTM rookie Daniel Sanders. A face planting crash and a hugely swollen lip due to a bee sting could not slow the Aussie down. With top three stage finishes and consistently fast performances, the former enduro racer did an incredible job to finish fourth. He’s set the bar high; Dakar was only his second Cross-Country Rally, but with the mentoring of the KTM Factory Racing Team Manager Jordi Viladoms, as well as the opportunity to learn from his peers, Sanders has made the best of his opportunity in the KTM Factory Racing Junior Rally Program to establish himself as a serious contender. Sunderland battles the terrain with the Heli following at speed. PC @RallyZone“All in all, it’s been a pretty perfect first Dakar for me. It started off with a good Prologue and then day-by-day I learned a little more and gained as much experience as possible. I’m really pleased to come away with fourth overall and as first rookie, so that’s cool. I’ve only really spent four months on the KTM rally bike, learning as much as I can for this, so I can’t thank Jordi and the whole team enough for all the hard work they have done and the faith they put in me,” said Sanders on completing the rally. Walkner tackles the rocky ground aboard his KTM 450 RALLY. PC @RallyZoneThe team of course had hoped for more but as stated by Viladoms, it was an incredibly tough event: “After fighting for the whole race, to come away with a podium is positive, but of course we had hoped for more. Clearly, this event has been hugely challenging for all competitors, a true test of character and a true test of not only the riders but all of our team. I’m very proud of the effort everyone has given.” Another impressive image of Sam Sunderland, who made time up in the final few days to finish on the podium in third. PC @RallyZoneOn reaching the finish with a podium third Sunderland said: “I’m glad to be here safe at the finish line and in third place. I honestly think that has been one of the toughest races I have ever done – the pace at the top is so high, we’re having to fight every single day and there is no time to relax.” The Dakar Rally is a huge team effort, with the travelling bivouac that follows and supports the event for its 12 stages. The magic of this thrilling race, which also includes other classes such as cars, trucks and quads is so special and we’re already looking forward to next year. In the meantime, check out some of the incredible images from the second half of the 2021 Dakar Rally. Sanders navigates the sandy conditions. PC @RallyZoneWalkner at speed through the changeable terrain of the 2021 Dakar. PC @RallyZoneDaniel Sanders finished as top rookie after a fast and consistent performance at only his second cross-country rally. PC @RallyZoneJordi Viladoms congratulates Sam Sunderland on his podium result. PC @RallyZoneExhausted but at the finish – Sunderland, Sanders and Walkner complete the 2021 Dakar Rally. PC @RallyZoneSanders grabs Sunderland’s bike as he does a celebratory burnout. PC @RallyZone

A 29-year-old Austrian is proving that KTM can ripple four sets of rubber compared to two, and with the fresh KTM X-BOW GTX now rolling from pitboxes, the car racing world had better watch out for more fast orange. Laura Kraihamer in her first official season with KTM back in the days – True Racing KTM X-BOW GT4 PC @JoelKernasenkoWhen we call Laura Kraihamer she is on the road. It seems somehow appropriate. Even though we’re sure she’s doing our interview in a completely legal manner while on Austrian highways, we still have an image of a very fast commute at the other end of the line. The conversation is relaxed and calm however, much like the racer herself in GT competition. When Kraihamer is not spending half of a (normal) racing season competing in two series and key Endurance events she’s pushing the marketing campaigns for the X-BOW. There is probably no other KTM employee with such rigorous knowledge of a product; whether in competition, during development or through the refined presentation of a press pack. She has her fingerprints all over the cars. When Laura is not competing in two series and key Endurance events she’s pushing the marketing campaigns for the X-BOW PC @GruppeCPhotographyLike many of her peers Kraihamer was a sponge for adrenaline through karting. When the door to single-seater racing started to close however due to a lack of funding, she looked for alternative means to keep on the asphalt and a chance X-BOW track day opened a new line for her. “That was in 2012,” she explains, through her exceptional English. “The X-BOW was something to try for fun but I liked the car and found a way to race the X-BOW series; it was really hard the first year but I won it in the second and that brought me closer to KTM. I was working for Audi at the time. However, the more intense the racing became with the X-BOW the better the connection was with KTM. I started working for them in 2016.” Her sportscar marketing role had the added kick of racing the X-BOW, and more… The new KTM X-BOW GTX – Laura’s racing car for the season PC @JoelKernasenkoYou must have seen and felt changes in the X-BOW cars over the years. Have you been closely involved in development? Yes, I had the honour to be involved in the latest models actually – the GTX and the GT2 CONCEPT. The other factory driver, Reinhard Kofler, developed the very first X-BOW and I was right by his side. He has so much experience and I learned a lot. We gave some feedback and info in the first tests and it was very detailed work. It is incredible how many aspects there are – some you wouldn’t think about at all. Laura on a development test drive with the KTM X-BOW GTX PC @JoelKernasenkoAn example? Well, the ABS functionality. There are ten different settings and they are determined by percentages that are very difficult to feel. You need to know the car very well…but if you can define the setting then it can make a huge difference. The way to do that is very hard because it is so detailed. But, it’s really interesting, and satisfying when you get it right so the customer will benefit. Team True Racing celebrating a win at Red Bull Ring (Austria) PC @JoelKernasenkoHave you driven many other cars in the last few years? Can you describe the sensation behind the wheel of a X-BOW? Many people will only know about KTM bikes… I started karting when I was 12, so quite late, until I was 16. Then, as I explained, I finally had that connection with KTM and thanks to winning in my second year it meant I’ve mainly been racing X-BOWs since. Except for 2020. We didn’t have a factory car last year because we were so busy with the new models so I was allowed to drive two TCRs just to get some race time and to have some fun. I also raced the X-BOW in 2020 but it was not a full championship entry. The feeling? The X-BOW is definitely built for racing! The biggest difference to any other car is probably the weight. The X-BOW GTX now has 530hp and weighs just over 1000kg. There is 650Nm of torque banging on the ground. The power is huge and it is incredibly quick through corners. It feels like a proper race car. I think the older models – the X-BOW R and RR – they felt a bit like huge, open karts, very pure and almost unique in their design. The new GTX and GT2 CONCEPT are a step onwards because you add power-steering, ABS, traction control and aerodynamics. They are race cars through-and-through. The older X-BOWs for the road are very quick because they weigh even less and don’t have the driver aids. You really get what you give when you are behind the wheel. Victory at the 24H Barcelona in 2019 PC @JoelKernasenkoHaving raced in different countries and at different circuits what is the attitude of people in paddocks to the X-BOW? Are they puzzled by a car made by a bike brand? When we took the X-BOW GT4 internationally people were really surprised by the performance of the car. It won races and championships straight away. The GT4 was a proper race car but the GTX is now on another level. I think people racing in GTX will be very impressed. I’ve not heard one negative comment. I think they are pleasantly surprised by how such a small manufacturer – when it comes to cars of course – can develop a car with such performance in such a small period of time. With the prototype we were leading the Monza 12hr ahead of all the GT3 cars. Besides racing with the GTX I can’t wait for the GT2. The homologation process is currently underway for the full carbon racing car, which weighs just 1,045 kilograms and will have around 600 hp. The output is mind-blowing. Morning hours at the 24H of Barcelona in 2019 with the KTM X-BOW GTX prototype. “One of the most beautiful and difficult times at a 24H race” – Laura Kraihamer. PC @JoelKernasenkoThe X-BOW GTX and GT2 CONCEPT seems like a decent statement of intent by KTM. It feels like the X-BOW was initially a fun and eccentric side project over the last ten years but are attitudes inside the company changing towards it now? Is KTM getting more serious? It’s really developed a lot and we have to be thankful for the all the support we’ve had from the company and the synergies we’ve been able to enjoy with the bike side. Internally I get a lot of messages and interest about the product. As an example, when we launched the new cars I was told we had more organic reach through the KTM social media channels than for any other product. It was crazy! I think many people realise how much effort is going into the X-BOW inside KTM. It’s not just a side project but something we are working really hard for. It’s not easy to be compared to the motorcycles because it involves completely different customer and price groups. We’ll never have the unit sales that the bikes produce. But I feel there is a lot of respect now. Getting Ready To Race at the 24H Barcelona 2019 PC @JoelKernasenkoThe X-BOW uses an Audi engine. Is it like a 2019 Moto2™ bike where KTM bring the chassis and other parts? What element of the new X-BOW is 100% KTM? A lot. The design, chassis and aerodynamics is all KTM. Of course, there are a few parts that come through suppliers and the car is so special that we had to adapt everything we have. Hardly anything is ‘standard’. As an example; the steering wheel is totally made to spec by us. We only looking at around 100 models for the range – which is still quite a lot for our current resources – so they are very specialised. Fully Focused before the start at the GT4 European Series PC @JoelKernasenkoBack on the track: you’re pretty busy in terms of competition…? I’d say between 28-32 weekends in a normal year. A race week starts with travel on Wednesday and ends with departure on Sunday evening. There are some test weekends and days. You have to be really flexible and very efficient with the day-job! I organise a lot when I’m on the road and I have a team and colleagues that are great for backing me up. There’s not much time for anything else between racing, driving, training and work. I get up at 5.30am to train from 6-7.15 and then drive to work. Victory at ADAC GT4 Germany in Oschersleben with teammate Reinhard Kofler for True Racing PC @JoelKernasenkoWhat’s the plan for 2021? How many series will you be racing in? At the moment two. There are some where I’ll drop in for one-two events. You have to co-ordinate well between the championships and watch for the overlaps. Luckily, I don’t decide. It’s a luxury to be told when and where I have to race and to test. Racing, testing, developing and promoting a race car – sounds like a dream job. Photo: KTM X-BOW GTX PC @JoelKernasenkoIt sounds like a dream job – and you have a relatively new car to race and promote – but how much longer can you continue at that rhythm? It’s a good question. It takes a lot of energy, I’m not going to lie, and you have to live your life with all the ups-and-downs involved with racing. If it didn’t give me so much then I would have given up a long time ago. As long as it still keeps giving me all that energy back then I will carry on with the five-hour nights! But, honestly, after a year like this I had a taste of what it would be like not to race anymore and I was desperate! Really! I know it is a luxury problem, but I really missed it. I hope for a better 2021. I was not able to really race that much between the ages of 16-22 and I know that feeling, so there is nothing I want to avoid more! It’s just my thing. “As long as it still keeps giving me all that energy back then I will carry on…” – Laura Kraihamer, Ready To Race at the start of the GT4 European Series in Zolder (Belgium) PC @JoelKernasenkoRead all about the X-BOW range on KTM.com.

A 29-year-old Austrian is proving that KTM can ripple four sets of rubber compared to two, and with the fresh KTM X-BOW GTX now rolling from pitboxes, the car racing world had better watch out for more fast orange. Laura Kraihamer in her first official season with KTM back in the days – True Racing KTM X-BOW GT4 PC @JoelKernasenkoWhen we call Laura Kraihamer she is on the road. It seems somehow appropriate. Even though we’re sure she’s doing our interview in a completely legal manner while on Austrian highways, we still have an image of a very fast commute at the other end of the line. The conversation is relaxed and calm however, much like the racer herself in GT competition. When Kraihamer is not spending half of a (normal) racing season competing in two series and key Endurance events she’s pushing the marketing campaigns for the X-BOW. There is probably no other KTM employee with such rigorous knowledge of a product; whether in competition, during development or through the refined presentation of a press pack. She has her fingerprints all over the cars. When Laura is not competing in two series and key Endurance events she’s pushing the marketing campaigns for the X-BOW PC @GruppeCPhotographyLike many of her peers Kraihamer was a sponge for adrenaline through karting. When the door to single-seater racing started to close however due to a lack of funding, she looked for alternative means to keep on the asphalt and a chance X-BOW track day opened a new line for her. “That was in 2012,” she explains, through her exceptional English. “The X-BOW was something to try for fun but I liked the car and found a way to race the X-BOW series; it was really hard the first year but I won it in the second and that brought me closer to KTM. I was working for Audi at the time. However, the more intense the racing became with the X-BOW the better the connection was with KTM. I started working for them in 2016.” Her sportscar marketing role had the added kick of racing the X-BOW, and more… The new KTM X-BOW GTX – Laura’s racing car for the season PC @JoelKernasenkoYou must have seen and felt changes in the X-BOW cars over the years. Have you been closely involved in development? Yes, I had the honour to be involved in the latest models actually – the GTX and the GT2 CONCEPT. The other factory driver, Reinhard Kofler, developed the very first X-BOW and I was right by his side. He has so much experience and I learned a lot. We gave some feedback and info in the first tests and it was very detailed work. It is incredible how many aspects there are – some you wouldn’t think about at all. Laura on a development test drive with the KTM X-BOW GTX PC @JoelKernasenkoAn example? Well, the ABS functionality. There are ten different settings and they are determined by percentages that are very difficult to feel. You need to know the car very well…but if you can define the setting then it can make a huge difference. The way to do that is very hard because it is so detailed. But, it’s really interesting, and satisfying when you get it right so the customer will benefit. Team True Racing celebrating a win at Red Bull Ring (Austria) PC @JoelKernasenkoHave you driven many other cars in the last few years? Can you describe the sensation behind the wheel of a X-BOW? Many people will only know about KTM bikes… I started karting when I was 12, so quite late, until I was 16. Then, as I explained, I finally had that connection with KTM and thanks to winning in my second year it meant I’ve mainly been racing X-BOWs since. Except for 2020. We didn’t have a factory car last year because we were so busy with the new models so I was allowed to drive two TCRs just to get some race time and to have some fun. I also raced the X-BOW in 2020 but it was not a full championship entry. The feeling? The X-BOW is definitely built for racing! The biggest difference to any other car is probably the weight. The X-BOW GTX now has 530hp and weighs just over 1000kg. There is 650Nm of torque banging on the ground. The power is huge and it is incredibly quick through corners. It feels like a proper race car. I think the older models – the X-BOW R and RR – they felt a bit like huge, open karts, very pure and almost unique in their design. The new GTX and GT2 CONCEPT are a step onwards because you add power-steering, ABS, traction control and aerodynamics. They are race cars through-and-through. The older X-BOWs for the road are very quick because they weigh even less and don’t have the driver aids. You really get what you give when you are behind the wheel. Victory at the 24H Barcelona in 2019 PC @JoelKernasenkoHaving raced in different countries and at different circuits what is the attitude of people in paddocks to the X-BOW? Are they puzzled by a car made by a bike brand? When we took the X-BOW GT4 internationally people were really surprised by the performance of the car. It won races and championships straight away. The GT4 was a proper race car but the GTX is now on another level. I think people racing in GTX will be very impressed. I’ve not heard one negative comment. I think they are pleasantly surprised by how such a small manufacturer – when it comes to cars of course – can develop a car with such performance in such a small period of time. With the prototype we were leading the Monza 12hr ahead of all the GT3 cars. Besides racing with the GTX I can’t wait for the GT2. The homologation process is currently underway for the full carbon racing car, which weighs just 1,045 kilograms and will have around 600 hp. The output is mind-blowing. Morning hours at the 24H of Barcelona in 2019 with the KTM X-BOW GTX prototype. “One of the most beautiful and difficult times at a 24H race” – Laura Kraihamer. PC @JoelKernasenkoThe X-BOW GTX and GT2 CONCEPT seems like a decent statement of intent by KTM. It feels like the X-BOW was initially a fun and eccentric side project over the last ten years but are attitudes inside the company changing towards it now? Is KTM getting more serious? It’s really developed a lot and we have to be thankful for the all the support we’ve had from the company and the synergies we’ve been able to enjoy with the bike side. Internally I get a lot of messages and interest about the product. As an example, when we launched the new cars I was told we had more organic reach through the KTM social media channels than for any other product. It was crazy! I think many people realise how much effort is going into the X-BOW inside KTM. It’s not just a side project but something we are working really hard for. It’s not easy to be compared to the motorcycles because it involves completely different customer and price groups. We’ll never have the unit sales that the bikes produce. But I feel there is a lot of respect now. Getting Ready To Race at the 24H Barcelona 2019 PC @JoelKernasenkoThe X-BOW uses an Audi engine. Is it like a 2019 Moto2™ bike where KTM bring the chassis and other parts? What element of the new X-BOW is 100% KTM? A lot. The design, chassis and aerodynamics is all KTM. Of course, there are a few parts that come through suppliers and the car is so special that we had to adapt everything we have. Hardly anything is ‘standard’. As an example; the steering wheel is totally made to spec by us. We only looking at around 100 models for the range – which is still quite a lot for our current resources – so they are very specialised. Fully Focused before the start at the GT4 European Series PC @JoelKernasenkoBack on the track: you’re pretty busy in terms of competition…? I’d say between 28-32 weekends in a normal year. A race week starts with travel on Wednesday and ends with departure on Sunday evening. There are some test weekends and days. You have to be really flexible and very efficient with the day-job! I organise a lot when I’m on the road and I have a team and colleagues that are great for backing me up. There’s not much time for anything else between racing, driving, training and work. I get up at 5.30am to train from 6-7.15 and then drive to work. Victory at ADAC GT4 Germany in Oschersleben with teammate Reinhard Kofler for True Racing PC @JoelKernasenkoWhat’s the plan for 2021? How many series will you be racing in? At the moment two. There are some where I’ll drop in for one-two events. You have to co-ordinate well between the championships and watch for the overlaps. Luckily, I don’t decide. It’s a luxury to be told when and where I have to race and to test. Racing, testing, developing and promoting a race car – sounds like a dream job. Photo: KTM X-BOW GTX PC @JoelKernasenkoIt sounds like a dream job – and you have a relatively new car to race and promote – but how much longer can you continue at that rhythm? It’s a good question. It takes a lot of energy, I’m not going to lie, and you have to live your life with all the ups-and-downs involved with racing. If it didn’t give me so much then I would have given up a long time ago. As long as it still keeps giving me all that energy back then I will carry on with the five-hour nights! But, honestly, after a year like this I had a taste of what it would be like not to race anymore and I was desperate! Really! I know it is a luxury problem, but I really missed it. I hope for a better 2021. I was not able to really race that much between the ages of 16-22 and I know that feeling, so there is nothing I want to avoid more! It’s just my thing. “As long as it still keeps giving me all that energy back then I will carry on…” – Laura Kraihamer, Ready To Race at the start of the GT4 European Series in Zolder (Belgium) PC @JoelKernasenkoRead all about the X-BOW range on KTM.com.

Posted in Racing The 48th AMA Supercross championship begins on Saturday January 16th in the NRG Stadium in Houston so here are 14 pieces of trivia and facts to whet the appetite… The 2021 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing trio of Cooper Webb, Max Vohland and Marvin Musquin PC @SimonCudby1) Supercross is an American creation but the first two winners of an AMA-sanctioned ‘Supercross’ event in 1974 were Dutch and Belgian. Pierre Karsmakers and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s own Roger De Coster owned the 250 and 500cc Main Events at Daytona in Florida. Karsmakers would prevail across the three rounds of the 250cc series (Daytona and Houston in March and Los Angeles in June) to be the first quarter-litre champion. By 1977 Supercross had grown to 10 rounds and by the mid-1980s it was already touching 16-17 fixtures. 2) From 1976-1984 AMA Supercross only had one class: 250cc. In 1985 the 125cc division entered the contest and has been split between East and West coasts ever since. AMA Supercross did not align ‘450’ and ‘250’ until 2012. From 2006 until 2012 the old 125cc category was known as ‘Lites’. 3) KTM’s first ever Supercross win? It came with the KTM 125 SX, 27 years after that Daytona inauguration. On April 21st 2001 South African Grant Langston claimed the 125cc West Coast Main Event in Irving, Texas. By mid-00s KTM were in 125cc title contention with Josh Hansen and Nathan Ramsey winning races in both East and West competition but the first crown did not arrive until Ken Roczen ruled the West in 2013 with the KTM 250 SX-F thanks to a narrow two-point championship success over Eli Tomac. Jason Anderson (2014 West) and Marvin Musquin (2015 East) followed. Ryan Dungey enjoyed a strong season in 2012 with three victories including KTM’s first in the 450SX category PC @KTM4) Red Bull KTM had to wait even longer in the 450SX premier class. 11 years after Langston’s breakthrough Ryan Dungey crossed the finish line first with the KTM 450 SX-F in Phoenix on 14th January 2012. He would add three more wins that season and accumulate 27 in total (including three championships) until the end of 2017 when he retired. 5) For the last 15 years AMA 450SX Champions have also earned the distinction of ‘FIM World Champion’ due to the international governing body’s association and working link with the sport. Cooper Webb won the AMA 450SX Supercross class in his first year aboard the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION PC @SimonCudby6) Dungey’s consistency and work with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing helped the brand become the most prolific name of the last half decade of supercross. His three titles in 2015-16-17 were followed by Cooper Webb’s fantastic effort in 2019. The American won 7 Main Events in his maiden season for KTM, waiting only two rounds before his first (at Anaheim II). 2019 was KTM’s best inside the stadiums. The KTM 450 SX-F was the outstanding motorcycle in the gate with 10 victories from the 17 rounds in the hands of three riders (Webb with 7, Marvin Musquin with 2 triumphs and Blake Baggett with one) and three bikes in the top six of the standings. Having finished runner-up in 2020, Webb is fully prepared to battle for the crown in 2021 PC @SimonCudby7) Watch the progress of Cooper Webb (2020 runner-up), 2020 title-holder Eli Tomac and 2018 #1 Jason Anderson this season. Why? Premier class medal winners have a tendency to repeat their feats. In fact, you have to go all the way back to 1997 and Jeff Emig to find the only example of a one-time champion. Who holds all the records? Despite his last success coming in 2000, Jeremy McGrath still boasts the most crowns (7) and wins (72) as well as the most in a season (14) and in-a-row (13); both of those last two achievements were matched by Ricky Carmichael in 2001. Marvin Musquin is a veteran of Supercross and will be aiming to challenge for the title in 2021 PC @SimonCudby8) Could Red Bull KTM’s Marvin Musquin be a dark horse? The 31-year old is entering his 11th season of supercross racing, all with Red Bull KTM. The former double FIM MX2 World Champion and 250SX East Champion missed 2020 through injury: it was the first time in four years that he couldn’t register at least one 450SX Main Event triumph. He entered the class as a rookie in 2016. 9) The 2021 series is aiming to reach 17 rounds between January 16th and May 1st but is only visiting seven stadiums as the COVID-19 pandemic is still in full flow. Four of the sites (Houston, Indianapolis, Arlington and Atlanta) will run tripleheader races in one week with a Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday schedule. For the first time AMA Supercross will not visit the state of California; home of KTM North America (based in Murrieta, south of Los Angeles). 10) Too close to call? For the last four years the 450SX championship decider has gone down to the final round. The rules state that in the event of a tie the title is determined by the highest number of Main Event wins. If still equal, the riders are separated by the number of second position finishes then, if necessary, 3rd position results are counted. The ultimate tie-breaker will be the result of the final race of the season. 11) A memorable moment! In 2012 Ryan Dungey created one of the more memorable sights in recent years of Supercross racing. After damaging his gear lever on a tuff-block in Las Vegas for the season-ending Monster Energy Cup (MEC), the Red Bull KTM man resorted to shifting with his hand while using air-time at the Sam Boyd Stadium. Dungey, who had made his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing debut at the same event the previous year, still managed to finish second overall at the one-off annual invitational. 12) Red Bull KTM have won the MEC just once since the event’s inception in 2011, thanks to Marvin Musquin, who also pocketed the 1-million-dollar bonus prize in 2017 (only three riders have banked the seven-figure check). There is no word on the traditional Vegas curtain-closer for 2021 and, aside from the money, the spectacle and the possibility for teams to use the October fixture as a chance to test for the following campaign, the MEC has allowed AMA Supercross promoters Feld Motorsports to experiment with the supercross format. The MEC has staged novelties such as longer, simplified tracks, split starts, Joker Lanes, open technical regulations and triple moto billing; the last feature entered the AMA Supercross calendar as ‘Triple Crown’ contests three years ago. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing is Ready To Race Supercross 2021 PC @SimonCudby13) In 2021 Red Bull KTM will again have representation in two classes and will run two different bikes for the first time in six years. 250SX duties had previously been filled by the Troy Lee Designs team but youngster Max Vohland will steer an official Red Bull KTM 250 SX-F alongside the KTM 450 SX-Fs of Cooper Webb and Marvin Musquin. 14) Will KTM soon repeat their finest ever evening of Supercross? At Anaheim 1 in 2014 Ken Roczen and Ryan Dungey took their KTM 450 SX-Fs to first and second positions respectively at the opening race of the season while Jason Anderson used his KTM 250 SX-F to win the initial 250SX West round. Orange everywhere!

Posted in Racing The 48th AMA Supercross championship begins on Saturday January 16th in the NRG Stadium in Houston so here are 14 pieces of trivia and facts to whet the appetite… The 2021 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing trio of Cooper Webb, Max Vohland and Marvin Musquin PC @SimonCudby1) Supercross is an American creation but the first two winners of an AMA-sanctioned ‘Supercross’ event in 1974 were Dutch and Belgian. Pierre Karsmakers and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s own Roger De Coster owned the 250 and 500cc Main Events at Daytona in Florida. Karsmakers would prevail across the three rounds of the 250cc series (Daytona and Houston in March and Los Angeles in June) to be the first quarter-litre champion. By 1977 Supercross had grown to 10 rounds and by the mid-1980s it was already touching 16-17 fixtures. 2) From 1976-1984 AMA Supercross only had one class: 250cc. In 1985 the 125cc division entered the contest and has been split between East and West coasts ever since. AMA Supercross did not align ‘450’ and ‘250’ until 2012. From 2006 until 2012 the old 125cc category was known as ‘Lites’. 3) KTM’s first ever Supercross win? It came with the KTM 125 SX, 27 years after that Daytona inauguration. On April 21st 2001 South African Grant Langston claimed the 125cc West Coast Main Event in Irving, Texas. By mid-00s KTM were in 125cc title contention with Josh Hansen and Nathan Ramsey winning races in both East and West competition but the first crown did not arrive until Ken Roczen ruled the West in 2013 with the KTM 250 SX-F thanks to a narrow two-point championship success over Eli Tomac. Jason Anderson (2014 West) and Marvin Musquin (2015 East) followed. Ryan Dungey enjoyed a strong season in 2012 with three victories including KTM’s first in the 450SX category PC @KTM4) Red Bull KTM had to wait even longer in the 450SX premier class. 11 years after Langston’s breakthrough Ryan Dungey crossed the finish line first with the KTM 450 SX-F in Phoenix on 14th January 2012. He would add three more wins that season and accumulate 27 in total (including three championships) until the end of 2017 when he retired. 5) For the last 15 years AMA 450SX Champions have also earned the distinction of ‘FIM World Champion’ due to the international governing body’s association and working link with the sport. Cooper Webb won the AMA 450SX Supercross class in his first year aboard the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION PC @SimonCudby6) Dungey’s consistency and work with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing helped the brand become the most prolific name of the last half decade of supercross. His three titles in 2015-16-17 were followed by Cooper Webb’s fantastic effort in 2019. The American won 7 Main Events in his maiden season for KTM, waiting only two rounds before his first (at Anaheim II). 2019 was KTM’s best inside the stadiums. The KTM 450 SX-F was the outstanding motorcycle in the gate with 10 victories from the 17 rounds in the hands of three riders (Webb with 7, Marvin Musquin with 2 triumphs and Blake Baggett with one) and three bikes in the top six of the standings. Having finished runner-up in 2020, Webb is fully prepared to battle for the crown in 2021 PC @SimonCudby7) Watch the progress of Cooper Webb (2020 runner-up), 2020 title-holder Eli Tomac and 2018 #1 Jason Anderson this season. Why? Premier class medal winners have a tendency to repeat their feats. In fact, you have to go all the way back to 1997 and Jeff Emig to find the only example of a one-time champion. Who holds all the records? Despite his last success coming in 2000, Jeremy McGrath still boasts the most crowns (7) and wins (72) as well as the most in a season (14) and in-a-row (13); both of those last two achievements were matched by Ricky Carmichael in 2001. Marvin Musquin is a veteran of Supercross and will be aiming to challenge for the title in 2021 PC @SimonCudby8) Could Red Bull KTM’s Marvin Musquin be a dark horse? The 31-year old is entering his 11th season of supercross racing, all with Red Bull KTM. The former double FIM MX2 World Champion and 250SX East Champion missed 2020 through injury: it was the first time in four years that he couldn’t register at least one 450SX Main Event triumph. He entered the class as a rookie in 2016. 9) The 2021 series is aiming to reach 17 rounds between January 16th and May 1st but is only visiting seven stadiums as the COVID-19 pandemic is still in full flow. Four of the sites (Houston, Indianapolis, Arlington and Atlanta) will run tripleheader races in one week with a Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday schedule. For the first time AMA Supercross will not visit the state of California; home of KTM North America (based in Murrieta, south of Los Angeles). 10) Too close to call? For the last four years the 450SX championship decider has gone down to the final round. The rules state that in the event of a tie the title is determined by the highest number of Main Event wins. If still equal, the riders are separated by the number of second position finishes then, if necessary, 3rd position results are counted. The ultimate tie-breaker will be the result of the final race of the season. 11) In 2012 Ryan Dungey created one of the more memorable sights in recent years of Supercross racing. After damaging his gear lever on a tuff-block in Las Vegas for the season-ending Monster Energy Cup (MEC), the Red Bull KTM man resorted to shifting with his hand while using air-time at the Sam Boyd Stadium. Dungey, who had made his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing debut at the same event the previous year, still managed to finish second overall at the one-off annual invitational. 12) Red Bull KTM have won the MEC just once since the event’s inception in 2011, thanks to Marvin Musquin, who also pocketed the 1-million-dollar bonus prize in 2017 (only three riders have banked the seven-figure check). There is no word on the traditional Vegas curtain-closer for 2021 and, aside from the money, the spectacle and the possibility for teams to use the October fixture as a chance to test for the following campaign, the MEC has allowed AMA Supercross promoters Feld Motorsports to experiment with the supercross format. The MEC has staged novelties such as longer, simplified tracks, split starts, Joker Lanes, open technical regulations and triple moto billing; the last feature entered the AMA Supercross calendar as ‘Triple Crown’ contests three years ago. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing is Ready To Race Supercross 2021 PC @SimonCudby13) In 2021 Red Bull KTM will again have representation in two classes and will run two different bikes for the first time in six years. 250SX duties had previously been filled by the Troy Lee Designs team but youngster Max Vohland will steer an official Red Bull KTM 250 SX-F alongside the KTM 450 SX-Fs of Cooper Webb and Marvin Musquin. 14) Will KTM soon repeat their finest ever evening of Supercross? At Anaheim 1 in 2014 Ken Roczen and Ryan Dungey took their KTM 450 SX-Fs to first and second positions respectively at the opening race of the season while Jason Anderson used his KTM 250 SX-F to win the initial 250SX West round. Orange everywhere!

Posted in Racing The Dakar Rally is one of the most notoriously difficult and famous races on the planet; a spectacle full of varied terrain, hundreds of stories, and where the best of the best rally riders battle it out for supremacy. As we reach the halfway point of the 2021 edition, which began with a prologue on January 2nd, we’ve already seen some spectacular images, heard some fantastic stories and seen the tactics, fatigue and changing terrain challenge the riders. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Toby Price currently leads the standings going into the ‘rest day’, but in his words ‘there’s a long way to go’ with six more days of racing before the finish line, where riders will have completed a total of 12 stages and covered 7,646km in distance. Price’s teammates Sam Sunderland, Matthias Walkner and KTM Factory Racing’s Daniel Sanders will also be enjoying a day off their KTM 450 RALLY machines in preparation for the stages ahead. We took a look through some of this year’s incredible images so far… To learn more and get deeper into the Dakar Rally check out The Dakar Dirt podcast, which takes listeners behind the scenes of the famous race and features interviews with riders past and present. The Dakar Dirt mini-series is available now on all popular podcast platforms with more episodes coming soon. Matthias Walkner in the spectacular terrain during the opening stage of the 2021 Dakar Rally PC @RallyZoneInto the wilderness – Toby Price aboard his KTM 450 RALLY en-route to a stage three victory at the Dakar PC @RallyZoneSam Sunderland tackles the terrain – this year’s Dakar event has already included a big variety of challenges for the riders PC @RallyZoneRookie Daniel Sanders has impressed on his Dakar debut aboard his KTM 450 RALLY PC @RallyZoneHaving won the previous day, Price had the difficult task of leading out the stage on day four of the rally PC @RallyZoneSunderland in the bivouac – the base for the teams racing at the Dakar Rally – as he prepares for the day ahead PC @RallyZoneWalkner tackles the stony ground in style on Dakar stage four aboard his KTM 450 RALLY PC @RallyZoneIf you look closely enough you’ll see Toby Price – the vast desert ensures the navigation is tough with riders using a roadbook with simple directions to find their way across the terrain PC @RallyZoneAnother cool picture in the rocks as Sunderland keeps the throttle on whilst navigating his way through PC @RallyZoneKTM Factory Racing Rally team manager Jordi Viladoms, a former Dakar racer, advises Sanders during his second ever rally PC @RallyZoneWalkner blasts through the sand as one of the organization helicopters follows PC @RallyZonePrice tackles the rocks on stage five – the variation of obstacles requires skill and concentration for the long days of Dakar PC @RallyZoneSunderland excels in the sand and enjoys the desert aboard his KTM 450 RALLY PC @RallyZonePrice leads the rally after stage six and heading into the ‘rest day’ after a consistent performance PC @RallyZone

Posted in Racing The Dakar Rally is one of the most notoriously difficult and famous races on the planet; a spectacle full of varied terrain, hundreds of stories, and where the best of the best rally riders battle it out for supremacy. As we reach the halfway point of the 2021 edition, which began with a prologue on January 2nd, we’ve already seen some spectacular images, heard some fantastic stories and seen the tactics, fatigue and changing terrain challenge the riders. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Toby Price currently leads the standings going into the ‘rest day’, but in his words ‘there’s a long way to go’ with six more days of racing before the finish line, where riders will have completed a total of 12 stages and covered 7,646km in distance. Price’s teammates Sam Sunderland, Matthias Walkner and KTM Factory Racing’s Daniel Sanders will also be enjoying a day off their KTM 450 RALLY machines in preparation for the stages ahead. We took a look through some of this year’s incredible images so far… To learn more and get deeper into the Dakar Rally check out The Dakar Dirt podcast, which takes listeners behind the scenes of the famous race and features interviews with riders past and present. The Dakar Dirt mini-series is available now on all popular podcast platforms with more episodes coming soon. Matthias Walkner in the spectacular terrain during the opening stage of the 2021 Dakar Rally PC @RallyZoneInto the wilderness – Toby Price aboard his KTM 450 RALLY en-route to a stage three victory at the Dakar PC @RallyZoneSam Sunderland tackles the terrain – this year’s Dakar event has already included a big variety of challenges for the riders PC @RallyZoneRookie Daniel Sanders has impressed on his Dakar debut aboard his KTM 450 RALLY PC @RallyZoneHaving won the previous day, Price had the difficult task of leading out the stage on day four of the rally PC @RallyZoneSunderland in the bivouac – the base for the teams racing at the Dakar Rally – as he prepares for the day ahead PC @RallyZoneWalkner tackles the stony ground in style on Dakar stage four aboard his KTM 450 RALLY PC @RallyZoneIf you look closely enough you’ll see Toby Price – the vast desert ensures the navigation is tough with riders using a roadbook with simple directions to find their way across the terrain PC @RallyZoneAnother cool picture in the rocks as Sunderland keeps the throttle on whilst navigating his way through PC @RallyZoneKTM Factory Racing Rally team manager Jordi Viladoms, a former Dakar racer, advises Sanders during his second ever rally PC @RallyZoneWalkner blasts through the sand as one of the organization helicopters follows PC @RallyZonePrice tackles the rocks on stage five – the variation of obstacles requires skill and concentration for the long days of Dakar PC @RallyZoneSunderland excels in the sand and enjoys the desert aboard his KTM 450 RALLY PC @RallyZonePrice leads the rally after stage six and heading into the ‘rest day’ after a consistent performance PC @RallyZone

Posted in Racing The Dakar Rally is one of the most notoriously difficult races on the planet. With the 2021 event just days away, we caught up with KTM Rally Team manager Jordi Viladoms to get an insight into Dakar, what’s new for 2021 and the team’s goals. KTM Factory Racing Rally Team Manager Jordi Viladoms at the 2019 Silk Way Rally. PC @RallyZoneRally is who I am, it’s what I do… “I’m Jordi Viladoms, team manager for the KTM Factory Racing rally team. I’ve completed the Dakar Rally 15 times – 10 as a racer and more recently five as a team manager. The Dakar is a really tough race with lots of kilometers and lots of days racing. It’s always challenging with the conditions in the desert. It’s not an easy event for the riders, or the teams. It is so long, you have to be both physically, and mentally strong to survive.” The 2021 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rally line-up of Toby Price, Sam Sunderland and Matthias Walkner PC @MarcinKinOnce you start it’s hard to stop… “The Dakar Rally is like a drug for me. When I raced, what kept me motivated was setting goals and then reaching them. My first goal was to finish, then it was a top 20 finish and then top 10, and when you reach the top 10 the goal is to win. Now, on the management side, it is the same for our team and the riders. We race to win and so far we are really happy with the results that our riders have achieved. We’re focused on pushing to win more Dakars in the future.” Viladoms concluded the 2014 Dakar as runner-up to teammate Marc Coma. PC @MaragniMSuccess is never easy in the desert… “It’s been great for KTM to win the Dakar Rally as much as we have (18 consecutive victories from 2004-2019). From the outside it may look easy, but it really isn’t. It is really hard work for the whole team and the riders. Not winning the Dakar in 2020 gives us an even bigger motivation for next year and the years ahead. Of course we want to be back at the top of the podium and we’re hungry for victory. It’s a really tough race where every competitor and team pushes really hard for success.” Viladoms crosses the finish-line for his career-best finish at the Dakar Rally in 2014. PC @MaragniMThree riders all focused on winning… “With Toby, we have a good contender with a lot of experience and wins at the Dakar. The 2020 race didn’t quite go his way, but I am confident that he can overcome the challenges he faced and return to the top step of the podium. Sam was unlucky to crash out in 2020. The terrain was what he excels in so it was unfortunate, but crashes can happen at any time. He’s now full recovered and ready to be a contender again. With the route looking like it will need strong navigation skills, this should really suit Matthias. This is his strength, along with his fitness, so there is a big chance of a strong result. All three riders are really well prepared and capable of winning, so we are confident going into the race.” Coma and Viladoms celebrate their 1-2 success at the 2014 Dakar Rally. PC @MaragniMTesting, training, working for the future… “The team has been testing and training a lot over recent months, we’ve worked on adapting the bike to suit the terrain and conditions that the riders will face. We’re pleased to have made positive steps and the bike is working better than previous years. At the same time, we have been working on our future rally bike so all in all, it’s been a lot of work, all concentrated into the end of 2020. The riders have been riding similar terrain to what we will face in January while also focusing on strengthening their roadbook skills. It’s been a really busy time for us and I’m hoping that this hard work pays off in the race.” A long history in rally – Jord Viladoms racing at the 2006 Dakar. PC @PeukerHFocused on what we need to do to win… “We are really motivated to reclaim the title. With KTM winning 18 Dakars in a row it was painful to lose the title in 2020. Since then, we have focused on what we need to do to win again. It’s a really competitive race and it is a huge effort by all the teams and riders. After not winning last year, there is now an even bigger effort to try and win again.” Viladoms has been working in a managerial role for the KTM Factory Racing rally team since he concluded his racing career – here he is talking to Toby Price during the 2020 Andalucia Rally. PC @RallyZoneAdapt, understand, slow the pace… “For the 2021 race the roadbook will be handed out to each rider in the morning of each stage, which is new for everyone. This is the same for all competitors and our riders have been training for this. There’s also been changes with the safety regulations and it’s now mandatory for all riders to wear an airbag, which is a positive move from a safety aspect. Also, our riders and all elite class riders are now limited to six rear tires and just one piston change throughout the whole race. This should make riders think and slow their pace as it won’t be possible to push throughout the whole race. All in all, they’ll adapt for these changes.” Toby Price is prepared ahead of the 2021 Dakar aboard his KTM 450 RALLY machine. PC @MarcinKinStrategy, what strategy? “The route for 2021 looks much slower than 2020. There are many changes of direction, which should mean tricky navigation. It’s going to be hard on the riders, not knowing until the morning of each stage how technical that day will be. Therefore, there isn’t really a strategy like in previous years. Each rider will need to think each and every day to do their best.” The increased technical navigation expected at Dakar 2021 should suit Matthias Walkner. PC @MarcinKinRemove the pressure, keep it relaxed… “We created the KTM Factory Racing Junior Rally Program with Daniel Sanders to run in parallel with the factory team. The idea behind this is to bring in a new rider without them feeling the pressure of racing for the factory team, and to allow them to enjoy a more relaxed approach to their racing. Part of the idea is to plan for the future, and the junior program will be a feeder team into the factory team. Within this structure there is much less pressure on Daniel, he has time to learn with the goal of progressing step by step and perhaps being able to reach the factory team. He has all the tools he needs, and can learn from our three very experienced and successful rally racers, so his position is perfect for developing his skills, without any pressure. He’s actually learning really fast and we’re very happy with the progress that he’s made since joining the team.” Sam Sunderland has a lot of experience in the dunes, which should be a help to him at the 2021 Dakar. PC @MarcinKinStep-by-step with an eye on the future… “With Daniel, we knew he had great potential. He won the International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) on a big bike, so a rally bike wasn’t going to be too difficult for him to get used to. He knows high speeds and his riding skills are very good. As soon as he arrived, he started learning with the roadbook and understood it quite quickly. His first race as a rally rider was the Andalucia Rally and he won a stage there, so everything is really promising with Daniel. For now, though, we don’t put any pressure on him, and we take everything step by step. In the future, I’ve no doubt that he will be a contender at the Dakar Rally.” Daniel Sanders joins the KTM Factory Racing Junior Rally Program for his first Dakar in January. PC @MarcinKinThe prologue for the 2021 Dakar Rally begins on January 2nd 2021, and the event concludes after 12 stages on January 15th with one rest day on January 9th. There are 108 motorcycle competitors entered into the race, which is being held for the 43rd time. KTM’s four-rider line-up hopes to bring the title back to Austria, but with an event held over 7,646 kilometers, with nearly 5,000 competitive kilometers, anything can and does happen. The team is based in a bivouac, which is a base that travels to follow the race and is where the rider departs from and arrives to each night aboard his KTM 450 RALLY. The team will be aiming for more podium results and victories – here they are celebrating Toby Price’s third place finish in 2020. PC @RallyZoneWe at the KTM blog would like to wish the KTM Factory Racing team the very best of luck! Head over to the Racing News on KTM.com for the latest 2021 Dakar Rally news.

Posted in Racing The Dakar Rally is one of the most notoriously difficult races on the planet. With the 2021 event just days away, we caught up with KTM Rally Team manager Jordi Viladoms to get an insight into Dakar, what’s new for 2021 and the team’s goals. KTM Factory Racing Rally Team Manager Jordi Viladoms at the 2019 Silk Way Rally. PC @RallyZoneRally is who I am, it’s what I do… “I’m Jordi Viladoms, team manager for the KTM Factory Racing rally team. I’ve completed the Dakar Rally 15 times – 10 as a racer and more recently five as a team manager. The Dakar is a really tough race with lots of kilometers and lots of days racing. It’s always challenging with the conditions in the desert. It’s not an easy event for the riders, or the teams. It is so long, you have to be both physically, and mentally strong to survive.” The 2021 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rally line-up of Toby Price, Sam Sunderland and Matthias Walkner PC @MarcinKinOnce you start it’s hard to stop… “The Dakar Rally is like a drug for me. When I raced, what kept me motivated was setting goals and then reaching them. My first goal was to finish, then it was a top 20 finish and then top 10, and when you reach the top 10 the goal is to win. Now, on the management side, it is the same for our team and the riders. We race to win and so far we are really happy with the results that our riders have achieved. We’re focused on pushing to win more Dakars in the future.” Viladoms concluded the 2014 Dakar as runner-up to teammate Marc Coma. PC @MaragniMSuccess is never easy in the desert… “It’s been great for KTM to win the Dakar Rally as much as we have (18 consecutive victories from 2004-2019). From the outside it may look easy, but it really isn’t. It is really hard work for the whole team and the riders. Not winning the Dakar in 2020 gives us an even bigger motivation for next year and the years ahead. Of course we want to be back at the top of the podium and we’re hungry for victory. It’s a really tough race where every competitor and team pushes really hard for success.” Viladoms crosses the finish-line for his career-best finish at the Dakar Rally in 2014. PC @MaragniMThree riders all focused on winning… “With Toby, we have a good contender with a lot of experience and wins at the Dakar. The 2020 race didn’t quite go his way, but I am confident that he can overcome the challenges he faced and return to the top step of the podium. Sam was unlucky to crash out in 2020. The terrain was what he excels in so it was unfortunate, but crashes can happen at any time. He’s now full recovered and ready to be a contender again. With the route looking like it will need strong navigation skills, this should really suit Matthias. This is his strength, along with his fitness, so there is a big chance of a strong result. All three riders are really well prepared and capable of winning, so we are confident going into the race.” Coma and Viladoms celebrate their 1-2 success at the 2014 Dakar Rally. PC @MaragniMTesting, training, working for the future… “The team has been testing and training a lot over recent months, we’ve worked on adapting the bike to suit the terrain and conditions that the riders will face. We’re pleased to have made positive steps and the bike is working better than previous years. At the same time, we have been working on our future rally bike so all in all, it’s been a lot of work, all concentrated into the end of 2020. The riders have been riding similar terrain to what we will face in January while also focusing on strengthening their roadbook skills. It’s been a really busy time for us and I’m hoping that this hard work pays off in the race.” A long history in rally – Jord Viladoms racing at the 2006 Dakar. PC @PeukerHFocused on what we need to do to win… “We are really motivated to reclaim the title. With KTM winning 18 Dakars in a row it was painful to lose the title in 2020. Since then, we have focused on what we need to do to win again. It’s a really competitive race and it is a huge effort by all the teams and riders. After not winning last year, there is now an even bigger effort to try and win again.” Viladoms has been working in a managerial role for the KTM Factory Racing rally team since he concluded his racing career – here he is talking to Toby Price during the 2020 Andalucia Rally. PC @RallyZoneAdapt, understand, slow the pace… “For the 2021 race the roadbook will be handed out to each rider in the morning of each stage, which is new for everyone. This is the same for all competitors and our riders have been training for this. There’s also been changes with the safety regulations and it’s now mandatory for all riders to wear an airbag, which is a positive move from a safety aspect. Also, our riders and all elite class riders are now limited to six rear tires and just one piston change throughout the whole race. This should make riders think and slow their pace as it won’t be possible to push throughout the whole race. All in all, they’ll adapt for these changes.” Toby Price is prepared ahead of the 2021 Dakar aboard his KTM 450 RALLY machine. PC @MarcinKinStrategy, what strategy? “The route for 2021 looks much slower than 2020. There are many changes of direction, which should mean tricky navigation. It’s going to be hard on the riders, not knowing until the morning of each stage how technical that day will be. Therefore, there isn’t really a strategy like in previous years. Each rider will need to think each and every day to do their best.” The increased technical navigation expected at Dakar 2021 should suit Matthias Walkner. PC @MarcinKinRemove the pressure, keep it relaxed… “We created the KTM Factory Racing Junior Rally Program with Daniel Sanders to run in parallel with the factory team. The idea behind this is to bring in a new rider without them feeling the pressure of racing for the factory team, and to allow them to enjoy a more relaxed approach to their racing. Part of the idea is to plan for the future, and the junior program will be a feeder team into the factory team. Within this structure there is much less pressure on Daniel, he has time to learn with the goal of progressing step by step and perhaps being able to reach the factory team. He has all the tools he needs, and can learn from our three very experienced and successful rally racers, so his position is perfect for developing his skills, without any pressure. He’s actually learning really fast and we’re very happy with the progress that he’s made since joining the team.” Sam Sunderland has a lot of experience in the dunes, which should be a help to him at the 2021 Dakar. PC @MarcinKinStep-by-step with an eye on the future… “With Daniel, we knew he had great potential. He won the International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) on a big bike, so a rally bike wasn’t going to be too difficult for him to get used to. He knows high speeds and his riding skills are very good. As soon as he arrived, he started learning with the roadbook and understood it quite quickly. His first race as a rally rider was the Andalucia Rally and he won a stage there, so everything is really promising with Daniel. For now, though, we don’t put any pressure on him, and we take everything step by step. In the future, I’ve no doubt that he will be a contender at the Dakar Rally.” Daniel Sanders joins the KTM Factory Racing Junior Rally Program for his first Dakar in January. PC @MarcinKinThe prologue for the 2021 Dakar Rally begins on January 2nd 2021, and the event concludes after 12 stages on January 15th with one rest day on January 9th. There are 108 motorcycle competitors entered into the race, which is being held for the 43rd time. KTM’s four-rider line-up hopes to bring the title back to Austria, but with an event held over 7,646 kilometers, with nearly 5,000 competitive kilometers, anything can and does happen. The team is based in a bivouac, which is a base that travels to follow the race and is where the rider departs from and arrives to each night aboard his KTM 450 RALLY. The team will be aiming for more podium results and victories – here they are celebrating Toby Price’s third place finish in 2020. PC @RallyZoneWe at the KTM blog would like to wish the KTM Factory Racing team the very best of luck! Head over to the Racing News on KTM.com for the latest 2021 Dakar Rally news.

Posted in People, Racing Red Bull KTM classified as 2020 MotoGP eSports World #1 in the capable hands of 23-year old Adrian Montenegro. The Spaniard cleaned-up in the eight rounds of the championship with his ‘virtual’ KTM RC16 so we decided to ask how and why… Adrian was proud to represent Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. PC @KTMAdrian Montenegro has the same official shirt and arguably the same competitive spirit as the 2020 Red Bull KTM MotoGP quartet of Brad Binder, Pol Espargaro, Iker Lecuona and Miguel Oliveira. The Gran Canarian does however have a different set of ‘controls’ when it comes to the saddle of his KTM RC16. Montenegro registered five wins and two more podiums in the burgeoning eSports version of Grand Prix racing after coming through a series of regional challenges and a Pro Draft to make the cut as one of eleven best competitors with the official MotoGP game. Adrian explained how he raced the championship at home. PC @KTMAs a member of the Williams eSports team (the F1 squad has gaming representation across a number of motorsports) and with a MotoGP world ranking of 5th in 2019, Montenegro was selected by Red Bull KTM for 2020 and – happily wearing the number of his favorite racer, KTM test rider Dani Pedrosa – laid waste to the competition. “There are a few guys who were already signed up by factory teams but I was pleased to be chosen by Red Bull KTM,” he said in a call from his home. “Since I was small, I always liked watching Dani; so, I raced with his number 26 and I also liked his helmet and used his livery. It was cool how it worked out.” The graphics in the game are incredible – it’s also extremely competitive. PC @KTMMontenegro’s ability had been spotted by the Williams crew as the world of eSports and competition continues to sprout at a rapid pace and on a wide international scale. In a recent article renowned business magazine Forbes stated that global gaming revenue is set to reach almost 160 billion dollars in 2020 and eSports in particular will top 1 billion, with expectations to rise by another 50% in the next two years. Vast streaming and online viewership is helping to boost numbers while companies and investors are backing elite gaming ‘factions’ to the tune of millions of dollars. Sports like MotoGP and F1 are trying to react to this surging market. Adrian is the 2020 MotoGP eSport World Champion. PC @KTM“Williams have a good team in Sim Racing and also Gran Turismo and have now started out in MotoGP,” he claims, as one of a large roster of official drivers/riders/representatives. “They provide me with a computer, headset, controller and everything I need to play.” Like any focused racer ‘Williams_Adrian’ had to work on his weak points for competition and the eight events in Mugello, Jerez, Red Bull Ring, Sepang, Misano World Circuit, Phillip Island, Silverstone and the Ricardo Tormo Circuit, played out online in 2020. Sadly, the Grand Final couldn’t place at its traditional slot at the ‘real’ Valencia due to the Covid-19 pandemic. By live link Adrian was awarded his MotoGP eSport World Championship trophy. PC @KTM“I improved a lot this year with my starts and that really helped,” he commented on his rise from mid-top 10 runner to race winner and eventually champion with the prize of a brand-new BMW M235i xDrive Gran Coupé to park alongside his KTM RC 390 in his garage. “I was around 7th-6th-5th last year and I found it really difficult to comeback, so I prepared this season to start further forward and it worked.” He won five of the first six races and had two more podiums to head the final standings by 23 points. The graphics in the game allow riders to personalize their leathers. PC @KTM“It was still pretty nervy to race from home but of course it would be better to have been at the circuit,” he adds. “It would be amazing to win there with things like the trophy presentations and this year would have been the keys to the car! It’s a little ‘colder’ when you’re at home.” Montenegro has the reactions and the co-ordination to excel at a game that is played online by hundreds of thousands of fans and a healthy section of the MotoGP grid themselves (as evidenced by the Virtual Grands Prix among the riders during the mid-year pandemic lockdown). Nevertheless, he is not a fanatic and doesn’t spend every waking hour behind the PlayStation. His brother, Williams_Cristian, also competes and has also won prizes in MotoGP eSports. Riders from around the world competed for the championship representing the MotoGP teams. PC @KTM“We play a few hours a day when it’s competition time but, for example, I’m studying now and the championship is over so I don’t play at all,” he explained. “I cannot sit there connected for hours and hours because it would drive me crazy and I also don’t like overdoing it! If I feel I need to be better at something then I’ll work at it, but I also put the controller down when I get bored or tired of it.” Montenegro admits that he only plays MotoGP and occasionally FIFA. It means he has intimate knowledge of the game developed by Milestone. The Italian studio has been curating the official MotoGP title since 2007 and have evolved their portrayal of the sport in that period. Adrian runs the #26 like his favourite rider Dani Pedrosa. PC @KTM“It’s good but it still has a few things to improve,” assesses Montenegro, a rider himself and very familiar with the sporty performance of the KTM RC 390. “The developers are always improving the game, so that’s a positive thing. An improvement? For my taste the braking time into the corners is really short, very deep. You just brake and turn, and it doesn’t feel quite right. A good thing? The graphics and presentations of the circuits and the bikes are fantastic. I would alter the physics of the game, but that’s just my opinion. Other players might really like how it is.” Adrian said his improved starts off the grid were a big improvement this year. PC @KTMIn March 2021 Montenegro has to go again and classify among the elite of Europe and make the cut to attempt the Global series and defend his crown. MotoGP eSports will reach a fifth edition next year and the reigning champ believes it is going places. In 2019 the six-round competition logged 20 million video views with more than 3 million engagements and was distributed by 15 broadcasters. Those figures can only increase. “I think there is a lot potential for growth,” he opines. “When I won the championship a couple of weeks ago I received so many messages and I still do every day. You can see how much people like it around the world. I think the series has some strong sponsors, like Red Bull, and a lot of interest. I hope it gets a bit bigger next year…and I can still be there to win it!” Adrian is the 2020 MotoGP eSport World Champion PC @KTMFor more information about MotoGP eSports check out the official website here: esports.motogp.com

Posted in People, Racing Red Bull KTM classified as 2020 MotoGP eSports World #1 in the capable hands of 23-year old Adrian Montenegro. The Spaniard cleaned-up in the eight rounds of the championship with his ‘virtual’ KTM RC16 so we decided to ask how and why… Adrian was proud to represent Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. PC @KTMAdrian Montenegro has the same official shirt and arguably the same competitive spirit as the 2020 Red Bull KTM MotoGP quartet of Brad Binder, Pol Espargaro, Iker Lecuona and Miguel Oliveira. The Gran Canarian does however have a different set of ‘controls’ when it comes to the saddle of his KTM RC16. Montenegro registered five wins and two more podiums in the burgeoning eSports version of Grand Prix racing after coming through a series of regional challenges and a Pro Draft to make the cut as one of eleven best competitors with the official MotoGP game. Adrian explained how he raced the championship at home. PC @KTMAs a member of the Williams eSports team (the F1 squad has gaming representation across a number of motorsports) and with a MotoGP world ranking of 5th in 2019, Montenegro was selected by Red Bull KTM for 2020 and – happily wearing the number of his favorite racer, KTM test rider Dani Pedrosa – laid waste to the competition. “There are a few guys who were already signed up by factory teams but I was pleased to be chosen by Red Bull KTM,” he said in a call from his home. “Since I was small, I always liked watching Dani; so, I raced with his number 26 and I also liked his helmet and used his livery. It was cool how it worked out.” The graphics in the game are incredible – it’s also extremely competitive. PC @KTMMontenegro’s ability had been spotted by the Williams crew as the world of eSports and competition continues to sprout at a rapid pace and on a wide international scale. In a recent article renowned business magazine Forbes stated that global gaming revenue is set to reach almost 160 billion dollars in 2020 and eSports in particular will top 1 billion, with expectations to rise by another 50% in the next two years. Vast streaming and online viewership is helping to boost numbers while companies and investors are backing elite gaming ‘factions’ to the tune of millions of dollars. Sports like MotoGP and F1 are trying to react to this surging market. Adrian is the 2020 MotoGP eSport World Champion. PC @KTM“Williams have a good team in Sim Racing and also Gran Turismo and have now started out in MotoGP,” he claims, as one of a large roster of official drivers/riders/representatives. “They provide me with a computer, headset, controller and everything I need to play.” Like any focused racer ‘Williams_Adrian’ had to work on his weak points for competition and the eight events in Mugello, Jerez, Red Bull Ring, Sepang, Misano World Circuit, Phillip Island, Silverstone and the Ricardo Tormo Circuit, played out online in 2020. Sadly, the Grand Final couldn’t place at its traditional slot at the ‘real’ Valencia due to the Covid-19 pandemic. By live link Adrian was awarded his MotoGP eSport World Championship trophy. PC @KTM“I improved a lot this year with my starts and that really helped,” he commented on his rise from mid-top 10 runner to race winner and eventually champion with the prize of a brand-new BMW M235i xDrive Gran Coupé to park alongside his KTM RC 390 in his garage. “I was around 7th-6th-5th last year and I found it really difficult to comeback, so I prepared this season to start further forward and it worked.” He won five of the first six races and had two more podiums to head the final standings by 23 points. The graphics in the game allow riders to personalize their leathers. PC @KTM“It was still pretty nervy to race from home but of course it would be better to have been at the circuit,” he adds. “It would be amazing to win there with things like the trophy presentations and this year would have been the keys to the car! It’s a little ‘colder’ when you’re at home.” Montenegro has the reactions and the co-ordination to excel at a game that is played online by hundreds of thousands of fans and a healthy section of the MotoGP grid themselves (as evidenced by the Virtual Grands Prix among the riders during the mid-year pandemic lockdown). Nevertheless, he is not a fanatic and doesn’t spend every waking hour behind the PlayStation. His brother, Williams_Cristian, also competes and has also won prizes in MotoGP eSports. Riders from around the world competed for the championship representing the MotoGP teams. PC @KTM“We play a few hours a day when it’s competition time but, for example, I’m studying now and the championship is over so I don’t play at all,” he explained. “I cannot sit there connected for hours and hours because it would drive me crazy and I also don’t like overdoing it! If I feel I need to be better at something then I’ll work at it, but I also put the controller down when I get bored or tired of it.” Montenegro admits that he only plays MotoGP and occasionally FIFA. It means he has intimate knowledge of the game developed by Milestone. The Italian studio has been curating the official MotoGP title since 2007 and have evolved their portrayal of the sport in that period. Adrian runs the #26 like his favourite rider Dani Pedrosa. PC @KTM“It’s good but it still has a few things to improve,” assesses Montenegro, a rider himself and very familiar with the sporty performance of the KTM RC 390. “The developers are always improving the game, so that’s a positive thing. An improvement? For my taste the braking time into the corners is really short, very deep. You just brake and turn, and it doesn’t feel quite right. A good thing? The graphics and presentations of the circuits and the bikes are fantastic. I would alter the physics of the game, but that’s just my opinion. Other players might really like how it is.” Adrian said his improved starts off the grid were a big improvement this year. PC @KTMIn March 2021 Montenegro has to go again and classify among the elite of Europe and make the cut to attempt the Global series and defend his crown. MotoGP eSports will reach a fifth edition next year and the reigning champ believes it is going places. In 2019 the six-round competition logged 20 million video views with more than 3 million engagements and was distributed by 15 broadcasters. Those figures can only increase. “I think there is a lot potential for growth,” he opines. “When I won the championship a couple of weeks ago I received so many messages and I still do every day. You can see how much people like it around the world. I think the series has some strong sponsors, like Red Bull, and a lot of interest. I hope it gets a bit bigger next year…and I can still be there to win it!” Adrian is the 2020 MotoGP eSport World Champion PC @KTMFor more information about MotoGP eSports check out the official website here: esports.motogp.com

Posted in Bikes, People From the home of KTM in Mattighofen, Austria, to the seaside roads of mainland Greece, here’s a 3,000km trip across three countries, rain, sunshine and even some snow aboard the new KTM 890 ADVENTURE. By Paolo Cattaneo – @paolocattaneophoto Paolo Cattaneo: “In 2015 I quit my job, sold everything I owned and started riding around the world with my motorcycle”. PC @FrancescMonteroIt was a hot and humid summer afternoon in Como, Italy. I remember I was sitting in my backyard, boringly staring at the worn-out tires of my KTM 1190 ADVENTURE, pondering about my next journey. Suddenly, the soothing sound of the crickets was abruptly interrupted by my smartphone chime. With a reluctant but still curious attitude, I opened my mailbox and… almost fell off my chair! Travelling South America on my KTM 1190 ADVENTURE back in 2016 (Eduardo Avaroa NP, Bolivia) PC @PaoloCattaneoBeing an avid traveler and a KTM owner, I could hardly believe I was reading an email coming from KTM HQ in Austria and asking me if I wanted to take one of their bikes for a trip! I was ecstatic to know more details about the project, but because the motorcycle hadn’t been released to the public yet, the rest of the information had to be kept confidential. “It’s key to have the support of a machine that would allow us to push our boundaries even further.” (with my KTM 1190 ADVENTURE on the Death Road, Bolivia, 2016) PC @PaoloCattaneoAll this secrecy built up a lot of excitement from my side, to see what kind of bike we would eventually ride. The only thing they told me was that the project involved me and another seasoned traveler, Anna Grechishkina which, like myself, had been riding for the past years aboard KTM 1190 ADVENTURE bikes. Taking the KTM 390 ADVENTURE on a ride through the Austrian mountains together with Anna Grechishkina. PC @PaoloCattaneoSome weeks later, together with Anna we landed in Mattighofen and the plan was eventually revealed to us; we were going to ride two brand new KTM 890 ADVENTUREs from Mattighofen to Nafpaktos, Greece. Other than a fantastic opportunity to be able to test these new motorcycles, for me It was finally a dream to visit the KTM HQ, after almost 200,000km ridden with one of their machines. It felt like when kids go to Disneyland and finally walk in that fantastic world they have been dreaming and seeing only on TV. For the first few days we got to ride two KTM 390 ADVENTURE bikes. Coming from a big bore machine, it was very interesting for me eventually to try all these different kinds of adventure bikes. Three different machines, somehow capable of similar adventures, but with three completely different engines, weights and sizes. Dreams do come true – visiting KTM HQ and the KTM Motohall in Mattighofen, Austria PC @AnnaGrechishkinaWe also had the privilege to take a private tour of the incredible KTM Motohall, their interactive museum. The brand new building is constructed with the intent of involving the audience into a full 360 degree experience, from the conceptual designing of the motorcycle to the “heroes room”, showcasing all glorious actions of the legendary riders that made the brand what it is today. After the project guidelines were explained to us, we finally headed to the Workshop to pick the bikes up. What a beautiful moment that was! It felt like when somebody brings to the table your favorite food. Our two KTM 890 ADVENTURE bikes were equipped with Akrapovič exhausts, KTM PowerParts seats, panniers racks and fog lights. Getting a taste of the first snow at Giau Pass, Dolomites PC @PaoloCattaneoThe bikes were also pre-configured with Quickshifter+, cruise control, rally mode and KTM’s MY RIDE system, which enables Bluetooth connectivity with smartphones. This last feature allowed us to enjoy the perks of having all GPS info right on the motorcycle screen. Finally, no more cellphone exposed to rain or phone mounts sticking out from the handlebar! So, the adventure began and we decided to opt for Italy as our gateway passage to Greece. Because we were riding in autumn, in this part of the world, we had to face some challenges right away. The beautiful Grossglockner Pass, in the south part of Austria, was unfortunately closed for snow, so we had to ride around it. There were also a lot of roadworks on our way to the Italian border so, at first, I found myself testing the motorcycle in heavy city traffic. Quick stop at Lake Misurina, on our way to Cortina D’Ampezzo. The Italian Alps never disappoint. PC @AnnaGrechishkinaNeedless to say that the new parallel twin engine behaved extremely well in this “1st-2nd gear” filled environment. The riding position was great and the slimmer KTM PowerParts seat provided also good comfort during our whole trip. Crossing to Italy and reaching the Dolomites, was certainly a change of pace and circumstances. Our days filled up with balmier temperatures, perfectly paved twisty roads and snowcapped mountains, where the KTM 890 ADVENTURE felt like being in her natural environment. Giau Pass, Italian Alps. A drone shot that captures the incredible 360 degrees view people get once reached the top of the pass. PC @PaoloCattaneoThe lower center of gravity and the smoother delivery at low rpm are great characteristics to have on a motorcycle in this kind of terrain. The bike was also equipped with Avon Trailrider tires, which provided excellent grip and stability throughout the entire trip, even at low temperatures. In my opinion, there’s nothing better for a motorcyclist than riding through some mountain passes on a beautiful sunny day. Being born and raised along the shores of lake Como, Italy, I grew up riding these kinds of roads and… I simply love it! After the steep Italian mountains, it was time to test the machine on some proper fast turns. Can’t get more picturesque and challenging for this type of riding, than the beautiful Tuscan Hills. The KTM 890 ADVENTURE behaved splendidly even on wide and progressive turns. Val D’Orcia, Tuscany. Endless hilly gravel roads, surrounded by vineyards. PC @PaoloCattaneoWith 105 hp and over 100 Nm of peak torque, the engine wanted to be the protagonist of our adventure, once again. The bike is built with state-of-the-art technology and It can be configured while riding. Different ECU mapping options allowed us to control the experience to the very detail. I love it when you can choose to enjoy a nice smooth ride in all safety, taking your time and gazing at the landscapes, or turn the machine into a raging beast and focus 100% on your ride, with the flick of a switch! The “Eroica”, the notorious off-road track that crosses Tuscany, was an excellent terrain to test out KTM 890 ADVENTURE on fast gravel roads. Off-Road riding mode and Off-Road ABS settings were absolutely spot on for this kind of surface. I always felt I was in complete control of the motorcycle, even on these unpredictable terrains. Amalfi Coast. One of the most iconic coastal roads in the world. PC @PaoloCattaneoFrom the glorious Tuscan hills, we rode to the Amalfi coast, in the south part of Italy. As we were running out of time, we had to hit the highway and ride those 350km, which separated us from the Parthenopean shores, in one go. With the help of the tall windshield and cruise control, we were able to make our way through this section with no fatigue at all. Fuel consumption was great and the large 20 liters fuel tank also allowed us to propel our machines for over 400 km. Once we reached Naples, we were challenged by some unfavorable weather conditions. Again, having technology at our service, it was easy to tune the bikes accordingly and enjoy even this part of the adventure, with the peace of mind of knowing that the motorcycle was under our control. Val D’orcia, Tuscany. Gravel road (and food&wine) paradise. PC @PaoloCattaneoCornering MTC and ABS, ride by wire throttle control and rain riding mode, were surely a great help, in managing more than 100 hp on the wet and slippery turns of the Amalfi Coast. Our last stretch of adventure had us catching a ferry from Bari to Patras and arriving in the beautiful coastal town of Nafpaktos, Greece. KTM 890 ADVENTURE – the ultimate gravel traveler. PC @JamesLissimoreWe were then greeted by the whole KTM team, which was excited to hear our personal feedback about the bikes. We also got to meet the journalists that came from all over the world to test the new KTM 890 ADVENTURE. The riding loop that the KTM guides prepared for the event, was simply perfect. A mix of fast and sharp turns, for the tarmac section, and some muddy and gravel sections for the off-road part. The motorcycle was a surprise to everybody for its abilities of handling on and off road. As travelers, we constantly face difficult situations. We move from town to town, from country to country, most of the time on roads that we never rode before, in an ever-changing environment and under all sorts of weather conditions. We often put ourselves in tight spots and we may have to ride out from challenging environments all by ourselves. Testing the KTM 890 ADVENTURE stability and brakes on the perfect greek mountain turns. PC @JamesLissimoreThis is the feeling of adventure. To move forward and to explore the unknown. To dare to try something new. To get outside of our comfort zone and to do something that we have never done before. That is why it is fundamental, to ride a motorcycle that can assist us the best way possible in overcoming whatever new challenges we may have to face. It’s key to have the support of a machine that would allow us to push our boundaries even further. Nafpaktos, Greece. Perfect terrain to push the KTM 890 Adventure to the max. PC @JamesLissimoreSpending a few weeks on the KTM 890 ADVENTURE and riding it in various conditions, it was very clear to me why KTM call it the ‘Ultimate Gravel Machine’, it’s a bike that will make every trip more fun, safer and a lot more enjoyable. It’s a bike that will let you ride from right outside your home’s door to the ends of this amazing world…

Posted in Bikes, People From the home of KTM in Mattighofen, Austria, to the seaside roads of mainland Greece, here’s a 3,000km trip across three countries, rain, sunshine and even some snow aboard the new KTM 890 ADVENTURE. By Paolo Cattaneo – @paolocattaneophoto Paolo Cattaneo: “In 2015 I quit my job, sold everything I owned and started riding around the world with my motorcycle”. PC @FrancescMonteroIt was a hot and humid summer afternoon in Como, Italy. I remember I was sitting in my backyard, boringly staring at the worn-out tires of my KTM 1190 ADVENTURE, pondering about my next journey. Suddenly, the soothing sound of the crickets was abruptly interrupted by my smartphone chime. With a reluctant but still curious attitude, I opened my mailbox and… almost fell off my chair! Travelling South America on my KTM 1190 ADVENTURE back in 2016 (Eduardo Avaroa NP, Bolivia) PC @PaoloCattaneoBeing an avid traveler and a KTM owner, I could hardly believe I was reading an email coming from KTM HQ in Austria and asking me if I wanted to take one of their bikes for a trip! I was ecstatic to know more details about the project, but because the motorcycle hadn’t been released to the public yet, the rest of the information had to be kept confidential. “It’s key to have the support of a machine that would allow us to push our boundaries even further.” (with my KTM 1190 ADVENTURE on the Death Road, Bolivia, 2016) PC @PaoloCattaneoAll this secrecy built up a lot of excitement from my side, to see what kind of bike we would eventually ride. The only thing they told me was that the project involved me and another seasoned traveler, Anna Grechishkina which, like myself, had been riding for the past years aboard KTM 1190 ADVENTURE bikes. Taking the KTM 390 ADVENTURE on a ride through the Austrian mountains together with Anna Grechishkina. PC @PaoloCattaneoSome weeks later, together with Anna we landed in Mattighofen and the plan was eventually revealed to us; we were going to ride two brand new KTM 890 ADVENTUREs from Mattighofen to Nafpaktos, Greece. Other than a fantastic opportunity to be able to test these new motorcycles, for me It was finally a dream to visit the KTM HQ, after almost 200,000km ridden with one of their machines. It felt like when kids go to Disneyland and finally walk in that fantastic world they have been dreaming and seeing only on TV. For the first few days we got to ride two KTM 390 ADVENTURE bikes. Coming from a big bore machine, it was very interesting for me eventually to try all these different kinds of adventure bikes. Three different machines, somehow capable of similar adventures, but with three completely different engines, weights and sizes. Dreams do come true – visiting KTM HQ and the KTM Motohall in Mattighofen, Austria PC @AnnaGrechishkinaWe also had the privilege to take a private tour of the incredible KTM Motohall, their interactive museum. The brand new building is constructed with the intent of involving the audience into a full 360 degree experience, from the conceptual designing of the motorcycle to the “heroes room”, showcasing all glorious actions of the legendary riders that made the brand what it is today. After the project guidelines were explained to us, we finally headed to the Workshop to pick the bikes up. What a beautiful moment that was! It felt like when somebody brings to the table your favorite food. Our two KTM 890 ADVENTURE bikes were equipped with Akrapovič exhausts, KTM PowerParts seats, panniers racks and fog lights. Getting a taste of the first snow at Giau Pass, Dolomites PC @PaoloCattaneoThe bikes were also pre-configured with Quickshifter+, cruise control, rally mode and KTM’s MY RIDE system, which enables Bluetooth connectivity with smartphones. This last feature allowed us to enjoy the perks of having all GPS info right on the motorcycle screen. Finally, no more cellphone exposed to rain or phone mounts sticking out from the handlebar! So, the adventure began and we decided to opt for Italy as our gateway passage to Greece. Because we were riding in autumn, in this part of the world, we had to face some challenges right away. The beautiful Grossglockner Pass, in the south part of Austria, was unfortunately closed for snow, so we had to ride around it. There were also a lot of roadworks on our way to the Italian border so, at first, I found myself testing the motorcycle in heavy city traffic. Quick stop at Lake Misurina, on our way to Cortina D’Ampezzo. The Italian Alps never disappoint. PC @AnnaGrechishkinaNeedless to say that the new parallel twin engine behaved extremely well in this “1st-2nd gear” filled environment. The riding position was great and the slimmer KTM PowerParts seat provided also good comfort during our whole trip. Crossing to Italy and reaching the Dolomites, was certainly a change of pace and circumstances. Our days filled up with balmier temperatures, perfectly paved twisty roads and snowcapped mountains, where the KTM 890 ADVENTURE felt like being in her natural environment. Giau Pass, Italian Alps. A drone shot that captures the incredible 360 degrees view people get once reached the top of the pass. PC @PaoloCattaneoThe lower center of gravity and the smoother delivery at low rpm are great characteristics to have on a motorcycle in this kind of terrain. The bike was also equipped with Avon Trailrider tires, which provided excellent grip and stability throughout the entire trip, even at low temperatures. In my opinion, there’s nothing better for a motorcyclist than riding through some mountain passes on a beautiful sunny day. Being born and raised along the shores of lake Como, Italy, I grew up riding these kinds of roads and… I simply love it! After the steep Italian mountains, it was time to test the machine on some proper fast turns. Can’t get more picturesque and challenging for this type of riding, than the beautiful Tuscan Hills. The KTM 890 ADVENTURE behaved splendidly even on wide and progressive turns. Val D’Orcia, Tuscany. Endless hilly gravel roads, surrounded by vineyards. PC @PaoloCattaneoWith 105 hp and over 100 Nm of peak torque, the engine wanted to be the protagonist of our adventure, once again. The bike is built with state-of-the-art technology and It can be configured while riding. Different ECU mapping options allowed us to control the experience to the very detail. I love it when you can choose to enjoy a nice smooth ride in all safety, taking your time and gazing at the landscapes, or turn the machine into a raging beast and focus 100% on your ride, with the flick of a switch! The “Eroica”, the notorious off-road track that crosses Tuscany, was an excellent terrain to test out KTM 890 ADVENTURE on fast gravel roads. Off-Road riding mode and Off-Road ABS settings were absolutely spot on for this kind of surface. I always felt I was in complete control of the motorcycle, even on these unpredictable terrains. Amalfi Coast. One of the most iconic coastal roads in the world. PC @PaoloCattaneoFrom the glorious Tuscan hills, we rode to the Amalfi coast, in the south part of Italy. As we were running out of time, we had to hit the highway and ride those 350km, which separated us from the Parthenopean shores, in one go. With the help of the tall windshield and cruise control, we were able to make our way through this section with no fatigue at all. Fuel consumption was great and the large 20 liters fuel tank also allowed us to propel our machines for over 400 km. Once we reached Naples, we were challenged by some unfavorable weather conditions. Again, having technology at our service, it was easy to tune the bikes accordingly and enjoy even this part of the adventure, with the peace of mind of knowing that the motorcycle was under our control. Val D’orcia, Tuscany. Gravel road (and food&wine) paradise. PC @PaoloCattaneoCornering MTC and ABS, ride by wire throttle control and rain riding mode, were surely a great help, in managing more than 100 hp on the wet and slippery turns of the Amalfi Coast. Our last stretch of adventure had us catching a ferry from Bari to Patras and arriving in the beautiful coastal town of Nafpaktos, Greece. KTM 890 ADVENTURE – the ultimate gravel traveler. PC @JamesLissimoreWe were then greeted by the whole KTM team, which was excited to hear our personal feedback about the bikes. We also got to meet the journalists that came from all over the world to test the new KTM 890 ADVENTURE. The riding loop that the KTM guides prepared for the event, was simply perfect. A mix of fast and sharp turns, for the tarmac section, and some muddy and gravel sections for the off-road part. The motorcycle was a surprise to everybody for its abilities of handling on and off road. As travelers, we constantly face difficult situations. We move from town to town, from country to country, most of the time on roads that we never rode before, in an ever-changing environment and under all sorts of weather conditions. We often put ourselves in tight spots and we may have to ride out from challenging environments all by ourselves. Testing the KTM 890 ADVENTURE stability and brakes on the perfect greek mountain turns. PC @JamesLissimoreThis is the feeling of adventure. To move forward and to explore the unknown. To dare to try something new. To get outside of our comfort zone and to do something that we have never done before. That is why it is fundamental, to ride a motorcycle that can assist us the best way possible in overcoming whatever new challenges we may have to face. It’s key to have the support of a machine that would allow us to push our boundaries even further. Nafpaktos, Greece. Perfect terrain to push the KTM 890 Adventure to the max. PC @JamesLissimoreSpending a few weeks on the KTM 890 ADVENTURE and riding it in various conditions, it was very clear to me why KTM call it the ‘Ultimate Gravel Machine’, it’s a bike that will make every trip more fun, safer and a lot more enjoyable. It’s a bike that will let you ride from right outside your home’s door to the ends of this amazing world…

Posted in People, Racing If you find yourself admiring some of the extreme Supermoto or DUKE photographs on the KTM website, then there is a good chance that one of those riders in the frame is Lukas Höllbacher. Not only is the Austrian a world championship racer and deft hand with his motorcycle skills but leads a curious double life; he helms one of his country’s oldest surviving businesses. We asked the 25-year old to explain a bit more… Lukas Höllbacher coming in hot on the 2021 KTM 450 SMR. @PhilipPlatzer“We start our ‘day’ at 1am…” Lukas is an unusual Grand Prix winner. The rider from Ranshofen kneads the demands of competing in the FIM Supermoto World Championship with those dictated by being part of the Höllbacher family, overseers of ‘Klosterbäckerei Höllbacher’: a renowned bakery that has been in existence since 1125. Austria’s oldest. Lukas Höllbacher at the FIM Supermoto World Championship – Busca, Italy in 2020 PC @GerwinvanRosmalen“From one o’clock we are baking until about eight and the shop is open until six in the afternoon. I’ll sleep from 9am until 12 and then again, like normal, in the evening. So, two sleep periods but I have the afternoon completely free.” Höllbacher has used those afternoons to become one of the prominent names in international Supermoto. Ranshofen monastery with the “Klosterbäckerei Höllbacher”- Austria’s oldest bakery PC @KlosterbäckereiHöllbacherIt’s an unconventional means of training and development for competition but Lukas is fortunate to have close support. “My parents will help, and that means I can have a couple of nights free to change routine for the race weekends,” he explains. “Otherwise it is a big drain on the body. I need those one-two nights to prepare properly and it works quite well.” “I like the baking. If you are not happy then you won’t do well in racing or the job and I like the mix of both of these things in my life.” – Lukas Höllbacher PC @KlosterbäckereiHöllbacherFour generations of Lukas’ family have directed the Klosterbäckerei Höllbacher and they marshal the work and efforts of ten employees. Since the end of the last decade though Höllbacher has been trying to master two vocations. Ranshofen is located a short distance from Mattighofen, which meant that motorcycling – and the KTM ‘orange’ – has never been far away and the allure to two wheels was strong. Lukas’ skills are highly appreciated at KTM photoshootings – here on the 2021 KTM 690 SMC R PC @SebasRomero“When we were both kids my sister got the chance to ride a KTM 50 SX and, yeah, after seeing that I fell in love with the bike! It helped also that all my family had a history in motorsport and with KTM: my uncle was long-time engineer and developer for a lot of KTM offroad bikes at the company,” he says. Progress was fast on the asphalt, largely thanks to the amount of competition. “There were a lot of races in Germany and Austria and for young riders. I was very fast from the beginning on the 85s and 250s and year-by-year I made a big step. When I was sixteen, I won in the German S1 category against the Pros and that really opened the door for me in Supermoto. We almost raced every weekend between Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Europeans.” Laser focus on the track, Alcarras, Spain (2020) PC @IvánTerrónHöllbacher excelled with the KTM and track machines like the KTM 450 SMR (the 450 version is now new for 2021). He had an urge to thrill that had to be satisfied and rose through the sport like one of his famous loaves. He started to rack-up national titles and by 2010 was among the hottest starlets on scene with S3 class European and Austrian titles. Germany, also, would soon be toast. Höllbacher fostered a relationship with the KTM factory that saw his riding proficiency and tendency towards flamboyance eventually end up on the cover of brochures and catalogues and large posters for more than half a dozen different bikes. Then, come 2016, he wanted a change. “The KTM 450 SMR is a full race bike and you can win in the top class with a stock model. It’s that good.” – Lukas Höllbacher PC @PhilipPlatzer“I had a lot of bad luck at the S1GP races when I wanted to bring really good results on the table to be in a good position for 2017…but that didn’t happen,” he remembers. “So, then there was a meeting with Husqvarna Motorcycles and they gave me a good contract do to the Austrian Motocross championship.” It was the fresh challenge he needed, and a challenge it proved to be. “There were a lot of downs with some bad crashes and injuries but on the other hand I also had good races, some victories and a lot of holeshots! Motocross is a really hard sport, it takes a lot of pain sometimes, but I was happy with my improvement as a rider. I can say it helped me a lot with mentality, fitness and riding technique. All-in-all, a good journey.” Höllbacher celebrating his victory in the 2020 Spanish Supermoto Championship with Team Manager Franco Mollo and Franco’s wife Anna. PC @IvánTerrónHöllbacher was again at a crossroads but one direction pulled harder than the others. “In my three years away from Supermoto, there were a lot of requests from teams. So, I thought ‘I’d like to return and fight again at the top of this sport’. Franco Mollo’s request was for me the best way and best choice I could make.” Joining KTM MTR team led to more success. To-date he has three victories at world championship level until the COVID-19 pandemic put the brakes on. He was also crowned Spanish Supermoto Champion recently. #72 flying high in Busca, Italy in 2020 PC @GerwinvanRosmalenAll the while Höllbacher balanced his family responsibilities with his hunger for RPM. In fact, he had to focus on baking time rather than lap-times as the bakery remained open and active during the lockdown phases. “We stayed open and it was a lot of stress, but we ended up with 30% more sales, so it was good that we were offering something,” he says. He has now taken control of the business from his father since September 2020. “I like the baking. If you are not happy then you won’t do well in racing or the job and I like the mix of both of these things in my life. We are still a real handmade, authentic bakery, with high quality bread. It is hard work too, but it has a few advantages like fresh, good bread every day and pretzels! I can always adapt my energy to the situation in front of me.” Lukas Höllbacher appreciates the advantages of managing a bakery: fresh, good bread everyday – seems like amazing fuel for a championship winner. PC @LandlustHöllbacher cherishes his recent victory in the Spanish championship and his three world championship race wins but also values his ‘hidden’ role with the KTM photographers that have led to some spectacular images over the years and is a very visual ingredient of the company’s branding and marketing drive. Lukas is many people’s first contact with some of the rasping appeal of a track weapon like the 2021 KTM 450 SMR. “It’s different to racing but also not that easy! I’m completely unused to bikes like the KTM 125 DUKE but it makes me really happy when the photographer looks at you with the thumbs-up and he knows he has the shot. It is important to ride the bike to the limit and aggressively early on. It’s challenging but a really cool thing.” Höllbacher claiming victory at Circuit d’Alcarràs, Spain (2020) PC @IvánTerrónAside from the buzz of photoshoots, Höllbacher also gets to sample the latest and best of the KTM bike range. His opinion of the 2021 KTM 450 SMR and the KTM 690 SMC R are particularly valid. “For me – as a racer – the KTM 450 SMR is an ideal machine for the track. It’s a full race bike and you can win in the top class with a stock model. It’s that good. The KTM 690 SMC R is a perfect bike for the street because it’s powerful and you can also make longer trips. It’s not just for the city. Both bikes want you to use that same type of riding style…and that means a lot of fun.” Lukas Höllbacher on the 2020 KTM 790 DUKE getting the photographer’s thumbs-up. PC @R.SchedlWhether he’s rolling a special assortment of dough or a bike across tarmac bumps, #72 is used to the ‘heat’ of the kitchen and the competition. Where will he grow next?

Posted in People, Racing If you find yourself admiring some of the extreme Supermoto or DUKE photographs on the KTM website, then there is a good chance that one of those riders in the frame is Lukas Höllbacher. Not only is the Austrian a world championship racer and deft hand with his motorcycle skills but leads a curious double life; he helms one of his country’s oldest surviving businesses. We asked the 25-year old to explain a bit more… Lukas Höllbacher coming in hot on the 2021 KTM 450 SMR. @PhilipPlatzer“We start our ‘day’ at 1am…” Lukas is an unusual Grand Prix winner. The rider from Ranshofen kneads the demands of competing in the FIM Supermoto World Championship with those dictated by being part of the Höllbacher family, overseers of ‘Klosterbäckerei Höllbacher’: a renowned bakery that has been in existence since 1125. Austria’s oldest. Lukas Höllbacher at the FIM Supermoto World Championship – Busca, Italy in 2020 PC @GerwinvanRosmalen“From one o’clock we are baking until about eight and the shop is open until six in the afternoon. I’ll sleep from 9am until 12 and then again, like normal, in the evening. So, two sleep periods but I have the afternoon completely free.” Höllbacher has used those afternoons to become one of the prominent names in international Supermoto. Ranshofen monastery with the “Klosterbäckerei Höllbacher”- Austria’s oldest bakery PC @KlosterbäckereiHöllbacherIt’s an unconventional means of training and development for competition but Lukas is fortunate to have close support. “My parents will help, and that means I can have a couple of nights free to change routine for the race weekends,” he explains. “Otherwise it is a big drain on the body. I need those one-two nights to prepare properly and it works quite well.” “I like the baking. If you are not happy then you won’t do well in racing or the job and I like the mix of both of these things in my life.” – Lukas Höllbacher PC @KlosterbäckereiHöllbacherFour generations of Lukas’ family have directed the Klosterbäckerei Höllbacher and they marshal the work and efforts of ten employees. Since the end of the last decade though Höllbacher has been trying to master two vocations. Ranshofen is located a short distance from Mattighofen, which meant that motorcycling – and the KTM ‘orange’ – has never been far away and the allure to two wheels was strong. Lukas’ skills are highly appreciated at KTM photoshootings – here on the 2021 KTM 690 SMC R PC @SebasRomero“When we were both kids my sister got the chance to ride a KTM 50 SX and, yeah, after seeing that I fell in love with the bike! It helped also that all my family had a history in motorsport and with KTM: my uncle was long-time engineer and developer for a lot of KTM offroad bikes at the company,” he says. Progress was fast on the asphalt, largely thanks to the amount of competition. “There were a lot of races in Germany and Austria and for young riders. I was very fast from the beginning on the 85s and 250s and year-by-year I made a big step. When I was sixteen, I won in the German S1 category against the Pros and that really opened the door for me in Supermoto. We almost raced every weekend between Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Europeans.” Laser focus on the track, Alcarras, Spain (2020) PC @IvánTerrónHöllbacher excelled with the KTM and track machines like the KTM 450 SMR (the 450 version is now new for 2021). He had an urge to thrill that had to be satisfied and rose through the sport like one of his famous loaves. He started to rack-up national titles and by 2010 was among the hottest starlets on scene with S3 class European and Austrian titles. Germany, also, would soon be toast. Höllbacher fostered a relationship with the KTM factory that saw his riding proficiency and tendency towards flamboyance eventually end up on the cover of brochures and catalogues and large posters for more than half a dozen different bikes. Then, come 2016, he wanted a change. “The KTM 450 SMR is a full race bike and you can win in the top class with a stock model. It’s that good.” – Lukas Höllbacher PC @PhilipPlatzer“I had a lot of bad luck at the S1GP races when I wanted to bring really good results on the table to be in a good position for 2017…but that didn’t happen,” he remembers. “So, then there was a meeting with Husqvarna Motorcycles and they gave me a good contract do to the Austrian Motocross championship.” It was the fresh challenge he needed, and a challenge it proved to be. “There were a lot of downs with some bad crashes and injuries but on the other hand I also had good races, some victories and a lot of holeshots! Motocross is a really hard sport, it takes a lot of pain sometimes, but I was happy with my improvement as a rider. I can say it helped me a lot with mentality, fitness and riding technique. All-in-all, a good journey.” Höllbacher celebrating his victory in the 2020 Spanish Supermoto Championship with Team Manager Franco Mollo and Franco’s wife Anna. PC @IvánTerrónHöllbacher was again at a crossroads but one direction pulled harder than the others. “In my three years away from Supermoto, there were a lot of requests from teams. So, I thought ‘I’d like to return and fight again at the top of this sport’. Franco Mollo’s request was for me the best way and best choice I could make.” Joining KTM MTR team led to more success. To-date he has three victories at world championship level until the COVID-19 pandemic put the brakes on. He was also crowned Spanish Supermoto Champion recently. #72 flying high in Busca, Italy in 2020 PC @GerwinvanRosmalenAll the while Höllbacher balanced his family responsibilities with his hunger for RPM. In fact, he had to focus on baking time rather than lap-times as the bakery remained open and active during the lockdown phases. “We stayed open and it was a lot of stress, but we ended up with 30% more sales, so it was good that we were offering something,” he says. He has now taken control of the business from his father since September 2020. “I like the baking. If you are not happy then you won’t do well in racing or the job and I like the mix of both of these things in my life. We are still a real handmade, authentic bakery, with high quality bread. It is hard work too, but it has a few advantages like fresh, good bread every day and pretzels! I can always adapt my energy to the situation in front of me.” Lukas Höllbacher appreciates the advantages of managing a bakery: fresh, good bread everyday – seems like amazing fuel for a championship winner. PC @LandlustHöllbacher cherishes his recent victory in the Spanish championship and his three world championship race wins but also values his ‘hidden’ role with the KTM photographers that have led to some spectacular images over the years and is a very visual ingredient of the company’s branding and marketing drive. Lukas is many people’s first contact with some of the rasping appeal of a track weapon like the 2021 KTM 450 SMR. “It’s different to racing but also not that easy! I’m completely unused to bikes like the KTM 125 DUKE but it makes me really happy when the photographer looks at you with the thumbs-up and he knows he has the shot. It is important to ride the bike to the limit and aggressively early on. It’s challenging but a really cool thing.” Höllbacher claiming victory at Circuit d’Alcarràs, Spain (2020) PC @IvánTerrónAside from the buzz of photoshoots, Höllbacher also gets to sample the latest and best of the KTM bike range. His opinion of the 2021 KTM 450 SMR and the KTM 690 SMC R are particularly valid. “For me – as a racer – the KTM 450 SMR is an ideal machine for the track. It’s a full race bike and you can win in the top class with a stock model. It’s that good. The KTM 690 SMC R is a perfect bike for the street because it’s powerful and you can also make longer trips. It’s not just for the city. Both bikes want you to use that same type of riding style…and that means a lot of fun.” Lukas Höllbacher on the 2020 KTM 790 DUKE getting the photographer’s thumbs-up. PC @R.SchedlWhether he’s rolling a special assortment of dough or a bike across tarmac bumps, #72 is used to the ‘heat’ of the kitchen and the competition. Where will he grow next?

Posted in Bikes, People As we are looking for the ULTIMATE DUKE RIDER through a Social Media contest, we’ve asked a few well-known DUKE personalities to tell us what it takes to be crowned as the ultimate DUKE pilot. KTM is looking for the ULTIMATE DUKE RIDER through a Social Media contest – sign up on KTM.comThe KTM DUKE range is something of a phenomenon. In fact, it’s thanks to the first-ever KTM DUKE that has seen KTM grow into the superpower it is today. A quick history lesson… KTM 620 DUKE MY1994 PC @KTMIn 1994, KTM’s first road bike with a 4-stroke engine dubbed the KTM DUKE 1 was born. The concept was simple – stick to the essentials and build a high-performance, high-quality machine around a potent single-cylinder engine. From there, the DUKE became a formidable street motorcycle, growing – not only in engine capacity – but in fans too. “It takes complete and utter bravery to try to tame THE BEAST.” – Alex Hofman PC @KISKAFast-forward to today, and the proudly NAKED sub-brand has evolved to include an entire royal family of DUKEs, from the small but mighty KTM 125 DUKE to THE BEAST – the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R. THE SUPER SCALPEL – KTM 890 DUKE R PC @KISKABut it’s not only powerful engines and lively handling that makes the DUKE range what it is. A big part of that success lies with the riders themselves. Here are a few insights into what makes DUKE riders tick and what it takes to be the ULTIMATE DUKE RIDER. Riaan Neveling (on the far right) with his team and the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R they raced at the 24-hour race on the Red Star Raceway, Delmas, South Africa (2017) PC @ZCMCRiaan Neveling – Marketing Manager KTM Street Segment Riaan has a long and lustrous career in motor racing and has competed on an international level in almost all disciplines of racing. He is a demon on track and embodies the DUKE spirit in all he does. He raced a 24-hour race on a KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R and even rode a KTM 390 DUKE up a flight of stairs into a recording studio. It’s quite fitting then, that he’s in charge of the DUKE range here at KTM HQ. 12 o’clock with Riaan Neveling at the Launch of the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R at Algarve International Circuit, Portugal (2020) PC @KTM “The Ultimate Duke Rider is someone who lives and breathes the DUKE attitude. Someone who wears their heart on their sleeve and craves adrenalin. The engine capacity is irrelevant – it’s not about how much power you have underneath you – it’s how you use it that counts.” – Riaan Neveling “The Ultimate DUKE Rider for me is someone who pushes the limits beyond the norm.” – Lyndon Poskitt PC @LyndonPoskittLyndon Poskitt – KTM Ambassador Lyndon doesn’t need too much introduction. Most will know him from his epic Races to Places video series. What many don’t know is that Lyndon is as capable on the tarmac as he is off it, having been racing motorcycles since he was ten years old. He’s raced everything from the Dakar to Erzberg and everything in between. Lyndon Poskitt with his KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R PC @LyndonPoskitt“For me, any DUKE rider gets their thrill from the asphalt, be it commuting, exploring or tearing around a race track. They are someone who screams agility and attitude, no matter what engine capacity. It’s their personality that’s expressed through sharpness and aggression, but without compromising comfort. That’s who the The Ultimate DUKE Rider is for me – someone who pushes the limits beyond the norm.” – Lyndon Poskitt Alex Hofmann with his track laps bike – KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R at Automotodrom Brno, Czech Republic (2020) PC @PolarityPhotoAlex Hofmann – KTM Ambassador On weekends, you might catch a glimpse of Alex hanging around on the MotoGP™ grid. Or, you might recognize him from many KTM press conferences at the EICMA Motorcycle Expo. But many will remember him as a former MotoGP racer himself, who was instrumental in the development of the RC16 MotoGP project as one of our test riders. Alex Hofmann trying to tame THE BEAST at Automotodrom Brno, Czech Republic (2020) PC @PolarityPhoto“The rush that you get from riding a DUKE is something that I’ve rarely experienced in my life. And it’s identifying that ‘rush’ that defines The Ultimate Duke Rider. It takes someone who understands what the DUKE attitude is all about and uses that to their utmost advantage. And of course, in the case of the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R, it takes complete and utter bravery to try to tame THE BEAST.” – Alex Hofmann [embedded content] Rok Bagoros – Stunt Rider As a teenager, Rok Bagoros took to the streets on a humble scooter. But in his hands, that scooter started a world craze, and gained the title of the best scooter stunt rider in the world. Rok Bagoros at one of his “ROKON! SHOWS” in Slovenia in 2019 PC @HeadLensMediaCombining aggression and elegance in his own style, Rok is, together with his KTM DUKE, the embodiment of the DUKE attitude. Rok is travelling the world entertaining people with his amazing stunt skills on several DUKE models – here in Kuwait City at the Red Bull Car Park Drift in 2019 PC @HeadLensMedia“The Ultimate Duke Rider is not only someone who owns a DUKE, it is someone who knows how to ride a DUKE. It’s someone who thinks above the machine and feels its spirit. Someone who makes the road his playground” – Rok Bagaros Jeremy McWilliams, Chris Fillmore and Alex Hofmann with a 2014 KTM 950 SUPER DUKE at the Launch of the new KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R in Portugal in 2020 PC @KTMJeremy McWilliams – KTM Legend and Ambassador 53-year-old Northern Irishman Jeremy McWilliams is a legend. Not only did he ply his trade in MotoGP, he’s been working feverishly in the KTM stables developing the very beasts we admire. As KTM’s leading test rider for the DUKE range, Jeremy knows a thing or two about what it takes to be the Ultimate Duke Rider. Jeremy McWilliams racing a KTM RC8R at the Hockenheimring, Germany (2009) PC @KTM“What does it take to be the Ultimate DUKE Rider? For me I have pleasure and satisfaction every time I ride a KTM DUKE. As a lead test rider for the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R and KTM 890 DUKE R, we’ve had a lot of time to get to know each other. And what I’ve come to realize is – a DUKE is not just a mode of transport – it is so much more than that. They are motorcycles which define us as a person. The Ultimate DUKE Rider knows this. He, or she, is demanding with high expectations, who is passionate and lives life on the edge. You could even call The Ultimate DUKE Rider obsessed. We obsess about the details and how they look when we stand back to admire it after thrashing along a B road. We are excited to be part of this unique family because we stand out from all the others.” – Jeremy McWilliams “You could even call The Ultimate DUKE Rider obsessed.” – Jeremy McWilliams, here on the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R at Algarve International Circuit, Portimao, Portugal in 2020 PC @KTMSo, you think you have what it takes to join the ranks of DUKE royalty? Show us by putting up your DUKEs and entering via social media. There are 3 easy steps that can lead you to the finish line: Go to KTM.com and fill out the contest form Post some photos or videos on your social media starting your caption with “I’m the #UltimateDukeRider because…” Make good use of the hashtags so KTM can find you – #UltimateDukeRider #GetDuked Want to earn your place on the rostrum of DUKENESS? Then hit the link below for more information. LET’S #GETDUKED

Posted in Bikes, People As we are looking for the ULTIMATE DUKE RIDER through a Social Media contest, we’ve asked a few well-known DUKE personalities to tell us what it takes to be crowned as the ultimate DUKE pilot. KTM is looking for the ULTIMATE DUKE RIDER through a Social Media contest – sign up on KTM.comThe KTM DUKE range is something of a phenomenon. In fact, it’s thanks to the first-ever KTM DUKE that has seen KTM grow into the superpower it is today. A quick history lesson… KTM 620 DUKE MY1994 PC @KTMIn 1994, KTM’s first road bike with a 4-stroke engine dubbed the KTM DUKE 1 was born. The concept was simple – stick to the essentials and build a high-performance, high-quality machine around a potent single-cylinder engine. From there, the DUKE became a formidable street motorcycle, growing – not only in engine capacity – but in fans too. “It takes complete and utter bravery to try to tame THE BEAST.” – Alex Hofman PC @KISKAFast-forward to today, and the proudly NAKED sub-brand has evolved to include an entire royal family of DUKEs, from the small but mighty KTM 125 DUKE to THE BEAST – the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R. THE SUPER SCALPEL – KTM 890 DUKE R PC @KISKABut it’s not only powerful engines and lively handling that makes the DUKE range what it is. A big part of that success lies with the riders themselves. Here are a few insights into what makes DUKE riders tick and what it takes to be the ULTIMATE DUKE RIDER. Riaan Neveling (on the far right) with his team and the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R they raced at the 24-hour race on the Red Star Raceway, Delmas, South Africa (2017) PC @ZCMCRiaan Neveling – Marketing Manager KTM Street Segment Riaan has a long and lustrous career in motor racing and has competed on an international level in almost all disciplines of racing. He is a demon on track and embodies the DUKE spirit in all he does. He raced a 24-hour race on a KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R and even rode a KTM 390 DUKE up a flight of stairs into a recording studio. It’s quite fitting then, that he’s in charge of the DUKE range here at KTM HQ. 12 o’clock with Riaan Neveling at the Launch of the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R at Algarve International Circuit, Portugal (2020) PC @KTM “The Ultimate Duke Rider is someone who lives and breathes the DUKE attitude. Someone who wears their heart on their sleeve and craves adrenalin. The engine capacity is irrelevant – it’s not about how much power you have underneath you – it’s how you use it that counts.” – Riaan Neveling “The Ultimate DUKE Rider for me is someone who pushes the limits beyond the norm.” – Lyndon Poskitt PC @LyndonPoskittLyndon Poskitt – KTM Ambassador Lyndon doesn’t need too much introduction. Most will know him from his epic Races to Places video series. What many don’t know is that Lyndon is as capable on the tarmac as he is off it, having been racing motorcycles since he was ten years old. He’s raced everything from the Dakar to Erzberg and everything in between. Lyndon Poskitt with his KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R PC @LyndonPoskitt“For me, any DUKE rider gets their thrill from the asphalt, be it commuting, exploring or tearing around a race track. They are someone who screams agility and attitude, no matter what engine capacity. It’s their personality that’s expressed through sharpness and aggression, but without compromising comfort. That’s who the The Ultimate DUKE Rider is for me – someone who pushes the limits beyond the norm.” – Lyndon Poskitt Alex Hofmann with his track laps bike – KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R at Automotodrom Brno, Czech Republic (2020) PC @PolarityPhotoAlex Hofmann – KTM Ambassador On weekends, you might catch a glimpse of Alex hanging around on the MotoGP™ grid. Or, you might recognize him from many KTM press conferences at the EICMA Motorcycle Expo. But many will remember him as a former MotoGP racer himself, who was instrumental in the development of the RC16 MotoGP project as one of our test riders. Alex Hofmann trying to tame THE BEAST at Automotodrom Brno, Czech Republic (2020) PC @PolarityPhoto“The rush that you get from riding a DUKE is something that I’ve rarely experienced in my life. And it’s identifying that ‘rush’ that defines The Ultimate Duke Rider. It takes someone who understands what the DUKE attitude is all about and uses that to their utmost advantage. And of course, in the case of the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R, it takes complete and utter bravery to try to tame THE BEAST.” – Alex Hofmann [embedded content] Rok Bagoros – Stunt Rider As a teenager, Rok Bagoros took to the streets on a humble scooter. But in his hands, that scooter started a world craze, and gained the title of the best scooter stunt rider in the world. Rok Bagoros at one of his “ROKON! SHOWS” in Slovenia in 2019 PC @HeadLensMediaCombining aggression and elegance in his own style, Rok is, together with his KTM DUKE, the embodiment of the DUKE attitude. Rok is travelling the world entertaining people with his amazing stunt skills on several DUKE models – here in Kuwait City at the Red Bull Car Park Drift in 2019 PC @HeadLensMedia“The Ultimate Duke Rider is not only someone who owns a DUKE, it is someone who knows how to ride a DUKE. It’s someone who thinks above the machine and feels its spirit. Someone who makes the road his playground” – Rok Bagaros Jeremy McWilliams, Chris Fillmore and Alex Hofmann with a 2014 KTM 950 SUPER DUKE at the Launch of the new KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R in Portugal in 2020 PC @KTMJeremy McWilliams – KTM Legend and Ambassador 53-year-old Northern Irishman Jeremy McWilliams is a legend. Not only did he ply his trade in MotoGP, he’s been working feverishly in the KTM stables developing the very beasts we admire. As KTM’s leading test rider for the DUKE range, Jeremy knows a thing or two about what it takes to be the Ultimate Duke Rider. Jeremy McWilliams racing a KTM RC8R at the Hockenheimring, Germany (2009) PC @KTM“What does it take to be the Ultimate DUKE Rider? For me I have pleasure and satisfaction every time I ride a KTM DUKE. As a lead test rider for the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R and KTM 890 DUKE R, we’ve had a lot of time to get to know each other. And what I’ve come to realize is – a DUKE is not just a mode of transport – it is so much more than that. They are motorcycles which define us as a person. The Ultimate DUKE Rider knows this. He, or she, is demanding with high expectations, who is passionate and lives life on the edge. You could even call The Ultimate DUKE Rider obsessed. We obsess about the details and how they look when we stand back to admire it after thrashing along a B road. We are excited to be part of this unique family because we stand out from all the others.” – Jeremy McWilliams “You could even call The Ultimate DUKE Rider obsessed.” – Jeremy McWilliams, here on the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R at Algarve International Circuit, Portimao, Portugal in 2020 PC @KTMSo, you think you have what it takes to join the ranks of DUKE royalty? Show us by putting up your DUKEs and entering via social media. There are 3 easy steps that can lead you to the finish line: Go to KTM.com and fill out the contest form Post some photos or videos on your social media starting your caption with “I’m the #UltimateDukeRider because…” Make good use of the hashtags so KTM can find you – #UltimateDukeRider #GetDuked Want to earn your place on the rostrum of DUKENESS? Then hit the link below for more information. LET’S #GETDUKED

Posted in People, Racing The Spanish star ends a special four-year arc with Red Bull KTM and after helping the MotoGP project move from the back to the front of the grid. Here’s some of the story… Pol Espargaro giving full corner commitment on the KTM RC16 PC @PolarityPhotoIn 2016 KTM signed former Moto2™ World Champion Pol Espargaro to complete their first Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team line-up for a maiden MotoGP season in 2017. Pol has been with the KTM RC16 development from early on in the project – here he is testing ahead of KTM’s first full MotoGP race season in 2017 PC @GoldAndGooseThe Spaniard had claimed 6th place in his debut year but had since stalled in his development and was looking for a fresh challenge and full ‘works’ backing for 2017. Pol took KTM’s first MotoGP podium in Valencia, Spain 2018 PC @SebasRomeroHe tested the new RC16 for the first time at the end of 2016 and then finished 16th and just out of the points in Qatar for his debut in ‘orange’ for the opening event of the ’17 campaign. The first podium was a very special milestone for Pol and the team PC @SebasRomero“We always want more and more but it’s the first race and we need to know what is our position, and where we are right now,” he said at the time. “We need to understand that the 33 seconds [off the lead time] we were today is good.” The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team celebrates KTM’s first MotoGP podium in 2018 PC @SebasRomeroPol’s commitment, character and amiability helped drive the programe from that point. He had five different teammates at various stages up until his final event for KTM at Portugal recently. Pol always gave the maximum and was pivotal in the development of the KTM RC16 PC @PolarityPhotoHe mixed milestone and injury but was always a reliable factor: his sheer effort was a strong platform on which KTM based their RC16 race evolution. No matter what experiment, theory or new part the technicians at the factory wanted to try they always knew they’d get maximum application from #44. With five podium finishes in 2020 Pol finished fifth in the championship PC @PolarityPhotoBy Brno and the Czech Republic – round ten of 2017 – Espargaro had clocked KTM’s first top ten finish. At the final event of 2018 he took the RC16 to 3rd place and that landmark podium in damp conditions in Valencia. Pol Espargaro at the final race of 2020 – the KTM RC16 is now a true contender in the premier class PC @PolarityPhotoHis first trophy in the premier class was actually the most special recollection of the four years – and his career – for Pol; it came half a year after his scary crash and back injury at testing in Malaysia. Pol Espargaro and KTM Motorsports Director Pit Beirer PC @PolarityPhoto“I came back after one of the hardest injuries I ever had,” he reflected in Portimao last week. “It was not only the best moment of the project but of my whole career. For sure to be world champion was great but when you feel you are ‘destroyed’ and you will not go back on the bike – or when you do you have this fear that you will never be fast again – to make the podium in Valencia meant the feeling was indescribable. Something crazy.” Pol Espargaro at Le Mans, France in 2020 PC @PolarityPhotoFront row qualification positions, first Pole Positions and five podiums in 2020 led up to 5th place in the world championship standings, tied on points with 4th. Pol propelled Red Bull KTM from rookie learners to the 3rd best team on the MotoGP grid and with a fantastic path of opportunity ahead. The RC16 became a Grand Prix winner in 2020. Pol celebrates his Le Mans, France podium PC @PolarityPhotoHe now joins another brand for 2021. “When he joined our project he had finished 6th with another brand and the goal was always to help him be better,” says Red Bull KTM Race Manager Mike Leitner. “I think he has had a good four years and we wish him all the best for the future.” The Red Bull Ring in Austria is the home GP for KTM PC @PolarityPhotoEspargaro’s approachability and professionalism rubbed off on the whole structure. “Pol’s been a great reference for me this year,” said 2020 Rookie of the Year and Pol’s final teammate Brad Binder. “He has been super-fast at every track. It’s always awesome to see his data too. Honestly, I really enjoyed being his teammate. He’s a cool guy and he makes life in the box a pleasure. I’ll miss having him around.” Pol celebrates clinching pole position in Styria, Austria PC @PolarityPhoto“I feel proud of what we have achieved as a factory and of what I have done as a rider,” says the man himself. “All I can do is say thanks for what we’ve done together. It has been tough at moments but all the people around me and the whole crew in the pitbox helped me to smile every day. They gave me the confidence and the love to be who I am.” Pol Espargaro leans in the KTM RC16 PC @PolarityPhotoCrucially he summed up his legacy as part of KTM’s narrative with a simple comment at Jerez and the first Grand Prix of 2020 when he was already circulating with similar lap-times to the leaders: “Now, we are on the level of the others.” Espargaro switches bikes in pit lane PC @PolarityPhotoEspargaro’s time with KTM has come to an end – the team celebrates a successful partnership over the last four years PC @PolarityPhoto

Posted in People, Racing The Spanish star ends a special four-year arc with Red Bull KTM and after helping the MotoGP project move from the back to the front of the grid. Here’s some of the story… Pol Espargaro giving full corner commitment on the KTM RC16 PC @PolarityPhotoIn 2016 KTM signed former Moto2™ World Champion Pol Espargaro to complete their first Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team line-up for a maiden MotoGP season in 2017. Pol has been with the KTM RC16 development from early on in the project – here he is testing ahead of KTM’s first full MotoGP race season in 2017 PC @GoldAndGooseThe Spaniard had claimed 6th place in his debut year but had since stalled in his development and was looking for a fresh challenge and full ‘works’ backing for 2017. Pol took KTM’s first MotoGP podium in Valencia, Spain 2018 PC @SebasRomeroHe tested the new RC16 for the first time at the end of 2016 and then finished 16th and just out of the points in Qatar for his debut in ‘orange’ for the opening event of the ’17 campaign. The first podium was a very special milestone for Pol and the team PC @SebasRomero“We always want more and more but it’s the first race and we need to know what is our position, and where we are right now,” he said at the time. “We need to understand that the 33 seconds [off the lead time] we were today is good.” The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team celebrates KTM’s first MotoGP podium in 2018 PC @SebasRomeroPol’s commitment, character and amiability helped drive the programe from that point. He had five different teammates at various stages up until his final event for KTM at Portugal recently. Pol always gave the maximum and was pivotal in the development of the KTM RC16 PC @PolarityPhotoHe mixed milestone and injury but was always a reliable factor: his sheer effort was a strong platform on which KTM based their RC16 race evolution. No matter what experiment, theory or new part the technicians at the factory wanted to try they always knew they’d get maximum application from #44. With five podium finishes in 2020 Pol finished fifth in the championship PC @PolarityPhotoBy Brno and the Czech Republic – round ten of 2017 – Espargaro had clocked KTM’s first top ten finish. At the final event of 2018 he took the RC16 to 3rd place and that landmark podium in damp conditions in Valencia. Pol Espargaro at the final race of 2020 – the KTM RC16 is now a true contender in the premier class PC @PolarityPhotoHis first trophy in the premier class was actually the most special recollection of the four years – and his career – for Pol; it came half a year after his scary crash and back injury at testing in Malaysia. Pol Espargaro and KTM Motorsports Director Pit Beirer PC @PolarityPhoto“I came back after one of the hardest injuries I ever had,” he reflected in Portimao last week. “It was not only the best moment of the project but of my whole career. For sure to be world champion was great but when you feel you are ‘destroyed’ and you will not go back on the bike – or when you do you have this fear that you will never be fast again – to make the podium in Valencia meant the feeling was indescribable. Something crazy.” Pol Espargaro at Le Mans, France in 2020 PC @PolarityPhotoFront row qualification positions, first Pole Positions and five podiums in 2020 led up to 5th place in the world championship standings, tied on points with 4th. Pol propelled Red Bull KTM from rookie learners to the 3rd best team on the MotoGP grid and with a fantastic path of opportunity ahead. The RC16 became a Grand Prix winner in 2020. Pol celebrates his Le Mans, France podium PC @PolarityPhotoHe now joins another brand for 2021. “When he joined our project he had finished 6th with another brand and the goal was always to help him be better,” says Red Bull KTM Race Manager Mike Leitner. “I think he has had a good four years and we wish him all the best for the future.” The Red Bull Ring in Austria is the home GP for KTM PC @PolarityPhotoEspargaro’s approachability and professionalism rubbed off on the whole structure. “Pol’s been a great reference for me this year,” said 2020 Rookie of the Year and Pol’s final teammate Brad Binder. “He has been super-fast at every track. It’s always awesome to see his data too. Honestly, I really enjoyed being his teammate. He’s a cool guy and he makes life in the box a pleasure. I’ll miss having him around.” Pol celebrates clinching pole position in Styria, Austria PC @PolarityPhoto“I feel proud of what we have achieved as a factory and of what I have done as a rider,” says the man himself. “All I can do is say thanks for what we’ve done together. It has been tough at moments but all the people around me and the whole crew in the pitbox helped me to smile every day. They gave me the confidence and the love to be who I am.” Pol Espargaro leans in the KTM RC16 PC @PolarityPhotoCrucially he summed up his legacy as part of KTM’s narrative with a simple comment at Jerez and the first Grand Prix of 2020 when he was already circulating with similar lap-times to the leaders: “Now, we are on the level of the others.” Espargaro switches bikes in pit lane PC @PolarityPhotoEspargaro’s time with KTM has come to an end – the team celebrates a successful partnership over the last four years PC @PolarityPhoto