KTM Factory Racing, KTM Tech 3 and KTM Ajo launched their 2019 machines in Mattighofen, Austria.
KTM is heading into their third season of premier class competition with Pol Espargaro being joined by Johann Zarco for 2019, as the Austrian factory continue to bridge the gap to the sharp end of the grid. And helping them to do so is two more RC16s on the MotoGP grid in the shape of KTM Tech 3’s Hafizh Syahrin and rookie Miguel Oliveira.
For KTM Ajo, the Moto2 and Moto3 titles will be the aim. Brad Binder is joined by reigning Moto3 World Champion Jorge Martin in the intermediate class, while the youngest ever Grand Prix winner Can Oncu will be aiming to use his 2018 Valencia GP as a springboard for a stellar year in the lightweight class for the team.
KTM Tech 3 will also lineup in the intermediate class, with two rookies aiming to make their mark on the Moto2 World Championship: Phillip Oettl and Marco Bezzecchi.
“We have a big target in front of us this year and I think we are in a good place. Johann has integrated into the team well and already looks fast.” Said Espargaro
“It means that we are set for the season. I thought Miguel was very fast at the test and that was surprising for a rookie and I know Hafizh is working really hard. All the info the Tech3 guys can bring will be helpful for me, the team and all the engineers.”
“I know, from my experience, that Tech3 are good for helping and teaching the riders, and also improving the bike. 2019 will be about improvement: nobody is perfect and I learn something every year.” He adeed
I think with Johann as a teammate hopefully I can learn from him and apply it to myself to be a better rider and a better worker. I just want to give the best of myself in 2019 and the most I can to the team.”
Zarco said: “I’m happy to be here, and this is my first factory team presentation! I discovered Mattighofen and the KTM factory for the first time in January and I was very impressed. After a few tests now I am very happy: I feel that the people in the team trust me and it’s nice to feel that confidence.”
“We’ve done some good work so the motivation is high. Even when we make big improvements at a test we still see that we have a lot to do and have steps to make. It helps to move forward. I believe in what we can do. I would say I am a fast rider so I can give good information and I am very proud to be part of this story in KTM.”