No excuses at KTM

“Stop talking about being happy”

Racing for KTM again this year: Brad Binder (l.) and Jack Miller

(Bild: APA/AFP/Filippo MONTEFORTE)

For the KTM MotoGP team, the eighth year in the premier class is about more than just the Olympic motto. "We've already stopped talking about how happy we are to be here. We now want to compete for victories and the podium," said Motorsport Director Pit Beirer before the start of the season in Qatar. The German emphasized that the objective is clear: "We want to fight for the world title in 2024."

However, he was aware that this would depend on "an incredible number of factors". Small mistakes in strategy, in the technical area or driving errors could be the deciding factor. "I don't necessarily want to rely on the luck factor, because this is also a bad racing team if you need luck to win. But you don't need too much bad luck either," said Beirer at a media event. Even "a broken collarbone can take you out of the title fight". The team is aware that it will be a tough fight, but considers itself well prepared.

KTM team boss Pit Beirer

(Bild: APA)

Six times on the podium, but never at the top
In the previous season, the South African Brad Binder and the Australian Jack Miller achieved six podium finishes for KTM, with Binder, who finished fourth in the World Championship, being responsible for five of them. However, none of these were Grand Prix victories. Among the manufacturers, the team from Mattighofen ended up in second place behind the dominant Ducati group. "The hope and motivation is, of course, that we will constantly annoy them, day and night. That's what we've set out to do," said Beirer, referring to the Italian rivals.

"We have turned over every last washer, no matter how small, so I really feel very well prepared," said the 51-year-old and reported that the motorsport project had been intensified once again over the past two years. "We have employees who have now been working on the project for ten years with a two-year lead time and the dream of becoming MotoGP World Champion. A lot of heart and soul has gone into it. We are therefore extremely motivated to take this final step."

World champion in the second team
In addition to the A-Team with Binder and Miller, who is only contractually bound until the end of 2024, KTM is also involved in the World Championship with the GasGas Factory Racing Tech3 team. In addition to Augusto Fernandez, 19-year-old mega-talent Pedro Acosta, the reigning Moto2 World Champion, will also be riding there from this season. During the tests, the Spaniard impressed the entire team not only with his fast lap times, but also with his eagerness and ability to grasp things quickly. "He will make us stronger in the future. We are completely convinced of that," said Beirer.

Pedro Acosta

(Bild: AFP)

The overall personnel situation is satisfactory, which is why KTM does not want to get involved in the transfer carousel - if possible. "We believe in all four riders we have. Today there is no room for us to hold such talks," confirmed Beirer. "We have a line-up with which I would say we can fully attack." There are also the reserve riders Dani Pedrosa and Pol Espargaro, who will complete wildcard assignments during the course of the season. However, KTM will probably not use all six wildcard slots. Pedrosa's commitment in Jerez is already fixed.