KTM Motorsport director Pit Beirer revealed that test riders Dani Pedrosa and Pol Espargaro will evenly share their efforts between the current season and the development of KTM’s 2026 and 2027 MotoGP machines. With the 2026 season marking the last year for the existing 1000cc engine rules before MotoGP switches to an 850cc format in 2027, KTM is running a dual testing program. This involves both refining the current bike and putting significant mileage on the new 2027 prototype.
KTM was the first manufacturer to conduct follow-up tests on the new 850cc engine prototype late last year. The team relies heavily on Pedrosa and Espargaro, emphasizing that both riders contribute equally to the development of both bikes, rather than dividing responsibilities between them.
Beirer stated, “Both are engaged in both projects,” explaining that this approach allows KTM to gather comprehensive data from the same test sessions. He elaborated on the importance of their different riding styles, noting that Dani’s smoother riding style highlights areas that can benefit race riders later, while Pol’s more aggressive riding style tests the bike under pressure, reflecting real-race conditions. Beirer stressed that combining both perspectives is vital to achieving a bike that offers both smoothness and resilience.
Regarding wildcard entries, KTM has been active recently with both Pedrosa and Espargaro participating, but Beirer confirmed that there are no current plans for wildcard appearances in the 2026 season. The team is prioritizing decisions based on what best benefits their development—whether that’s race experience or focused testing. He explained, “If racing at certain tracks offers advantages like extra tires and supports our project, we’ll consider it, but for now, no concrete wildcard plans exist.”
Fan Take:
This strategy of leveraging the unique skills of both Pedrosa and Espargaro across two challenging development cycles is a smart move by KTM, as it maximizes their testing effectiveness. For racing fans, this signals a committed and balanced approach to tackling the forthcoming regulation changes, potentially leading to stronger competition and innovation on the grid in the coming years.
