Tech3 riders bullish on KTM

results at the recent Sepang test which ended on Friday may not have been spectacular but Red Bull KTM Tech3 boss Herve Poncharal insists they have made a big step since the earlier tests in Jerez and Valencia in November.

Having spent the last 20 years with Yamaha, Tech3 had a lot of work to do ahead of the new season having made the switch to KTM bikes this year.

The French-based outfit and their two riders Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah, who is South East Asia’s first ever rider in the premier class, and rookie Miguel Oliveira spent a total of five days testing the KTM RC16 in the Sepang heat last week.

“Clearly, I think it was important for us as a KTM team to go through a lot of laps because we’ve got so much to try. This is what we did,” said Poncharal.

“What I would like to point out is a big thank you to everybody in the KTM factory for what they have done during the very short period we had since the last time we were on the bike at the end of November.

“The bike has changed really dramatically. Our riders feel so much more confident, they can give a lot more accurate information.

“I think both, Miguel and Hafizh have enjoyed and I assume, gave some really valuable comments and information to the KTM engineers.”

Oliveira did well to end the final day of testing with a one minute, 59.949 second lap for 19th on the timesheets while Hafizh, who struggled physically towards the end of the test, managed a decent 2:00.766s for 21st.

This is not far from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing duo Johann Zarco (1:59.640s) and Pol Espargaro (1:59.751s) who placed 17th and 18th respectively.

“There is still a gap to the top guys, but I’m sure we can reduce that. We want to continue working, testing and improving. We can’t wait to be in Qatar,” added Poncharal.

The final test of the season will be held at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar on Feb 23-25. The first race of the season will also be held at the same circuit on March 8-10.