KTM starts testing carbon fiber chassis in MotoGP
The use of carbon fiber chassis in MotoGP was the only example in this field since Ducati used a full frame made of this material in 2009, 2010 and 2011.
KTM made its debut in 2017 and brought back the steel trellis chassis. However, the fact that 31-time MotoGP race-winning test rider Dani Pedrosa completed the practice sessions at Misano on a carbon fiber chassis shows KTM's new determination in this regard.
Aprilia is also close zamWhile currently testing their own carbon fiber chassis, numerous manufacturers have used carbon inserts on their aluminum chassis over the past few seasons. But KTM is clearly at an advanced stage with its concept, which Pedrosa claims has only been tested briefly before this weekend's Grand Prix.
Pedrosa remained cautious when asked about the chassis: “We use a different chassis. We are still testing and gaining different information. "I can't give you details about it, but there's definitely a different feeling."
“We are testing and will summarize all the information we can after attending sessions with the drivers this weekend and further data for the future.”
KTM's carbon fiber chassis works to improve steering and handling. This has been a problem for KTM riders in recent years. The Austrian GP weekend was a perfect demonstration of this. While the RC16 could match the Ducati in terms of raw horsepower, Brad Binder couldn't keep up with the GP23 on the first exit of the corners.
In terms of pure performance, it's almost impossible to quantify how much KTM's new chassis delivers right now. But at least at Misano on Friday, the difference between Pedrosa, who was third, and Binder, who was ninth, was 0.155 seconds.
A lot of development has been done on aerodynamics and ride height devices in MotoGP, but the chassis looks to be the next battleground. The next step KTM will take with this chassis will be clear after Monday's Jerez test, where Jack Miller and Binder will likely get their hands on the new chassis.
But what this chassis represents is how reluctant European manufacturers are to stand still. While Ducati, KTM and Aprilia have all moved ahead in the balance of power, their Japanese rivals Honda and Yamaha have fallen behind in their old mentality and are having a hard time advancing their projects.
KTM's tried and tested steel chassis concept has served it well in numerous disciplines over the years and brought success in MotoGP. However, KTM is not afraid to look outside the box as it looks to take the final step towards becoming a championship contender.
Having experience of both Japanese and European working methods, Pedrosa said: “I can only speak for KTM and as you can see they are trying to do their best. “I think they are open to new technologies and new methods, and the team works very well.”
