French rider Randy De Puniet is set to return to MotoGP in 2016, this time with KTM.
After one season in World Superbike, De Puniet has returned following talks in June last year with KTM to develop their RC16 prototype. He had no plans come the end of the 2015 season and following on from talks with Mike Leitner in Valencia they reached an agreement to participate in a number of tests this year.
De Puniet completed his first test in Jerez on Saturday with teammates Mika Kallio and Alex Hofmann. Wet weather hindered the testing and a lot of time was spent adjusting the riding position due to De Puniet feeling uncomfortable with the footrest settings, seat height and handle bars amongst others.
Twitter: First contact with the KTM motogp . Not so many laps but happy with the feeling with the bike… https://t.co/DmIcfWKVM8 (@RandydePuniet14)
The KTM is running a tubular steel frame similar to that used by the Ducati team when they won the championship ten years previous. Although De Puniet feels this is a bit of an exotic choice, it is also KTM’s trademark and it is too early in testing to comment more. The new electronics in the Moto GP bikes are not currently a focus on the RC16 as it is still in early development stages. With them not being a major focus at the moment it will become more difficult for the rider. De Puniet feels it may cause the bike to slide more despite the fact the Michelin tyres have a lot of grip.
Twitter: PICTURES from first @MotoGP test 2016 at Jerez last week now on new #KTM Media Library.
https://t.co/yIsEqKXjpV https://t.co/rtMdYh6X95 (@KTM_Racing)
KTM are due to test again in a fortnight in Valencia and then again in Brno in April so far this season. There is a possibility of a wildcard in Valencia for KTM but a rider has not been mentioned according to the French rider who is hoping to make a race later on in the season.
