Red Bull KTM wrap up challenging Catalan Grand Prix during the weekend

Michelle Liew

June 18, 2019

The Catalan Grand Prix has ended and Red Bull KTM has also wrapped up the test day with a productive outcome.

Red Bull KTM has got a lot to say after their run in the Catalan Grand Prix during the weekend. The weather that grazed the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya was hot but windy. Rider Johann Zarco came in 15th whereas Pol Espargaro managed to end is run at 16th. Zarco was the quickest and posted 70 laps. Red Bull KTM Tech3 duo Miguel Olivera and Hafizh Syahrin also took on their RC16 race bikes past the chequered flag in 20th and 22nd place respectively. Dani Pedrosa, on the other hand, came in 25th.

Photo credits: Red Bull KTM

Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM)- As It Happened “We tried a lot of chassis parts and also electronics because we had problems at the weekend through Turns 12 and 13. I had a small crash and could not make a faster time. We’ll have to see in the races to come if we have found some more improvements but we did some work on the aerodynamics and other aspects such as the change of direction with the bike. I’m happy. The bike we finished the race with here we will use in Holland because we have a good package and it will be interesting to see what we have now works in cooler conditions,” says Espargaro as quoted from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing.

Photo credits: Red Bull KTM

Johann Zarco (Red Bull KTM)- As It Happened “I got a new chassis and a different seat to try and improve. It is not an easy job because when I change things I feel better but it is not immediately visible so I need to push myself to get the faster lap-time and use the parts. I improved today compared to my qualifying time on Saturday so I am quite happy. Everyone was very fast today and it was pretty tough but we must keep working hard. I’m quite satisfied.”

Photo credits: Red Bull KTM

Mike Leitner- Red Bull KTM Team Manager Another productive test day and we had five riders on the track and each of them had their special items to test. We have some positive and some negatives. In general we are happy. Pol had a small crash at the end of the day but it was not too dramatic. Johann focussed on certain things on his bike and re-checked some settings with suspension and chassis as well as aerodynamics. It was quite interesting, and now we plan for Wednesday. It’s good the riders will have one day off now because it can be tiring after a busy race weekend to test all day.”

Photo credits: Red Bull KTM

Sebastian Risse- Technical Director MotoGP “Conditions tend to be difficult here and we’re happy to take this chance to improve our bike. We tried a lot of hardware: frame, swingarm, suspension and I think we made some progress, especially with Johann; I think we found some items that can really help him. With Pol the day was cut short unfortunately but we also confirmed some useful items. Overall, I think there was bigger progress for Johann.