---
title: "KTM unwrap 2017 livery"
canonical: "https://readmotorsport.com/2017/02/20/ktm-unwrap-2017-livery/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Lewis Duncan"
section: "Moto2"
published: "2017-02-20T12:48:07Z"
modified: "2017-02-20T12:57:51Z"
---

# KTM unwrap 2017 livery

The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team has unveiled its 2017 livery for its MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 efforts in a presentation at the Austrian marque’s base in Austria.

KTM make their premier class debut as a full factory effort in 2017 having previously supplied engines to the Roberts outfit for the first half of the 2005 season. Alongside their MotoGP effort, KTM will also step into the Moto2 class or the first time.

![Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmotorsport.com/readmotorsport/2017/02/635558492.jpg)

The Austrian manufacturer has been testing the RC16 since late 2015, with the likes of Tom Luthi, Alex Hofmann and Mika Kallio spearheading development.

The team announced Bradley Smith would be joining them prior to the start of the 2016 season, with his Tech 3 team-mate Pol Espargaro signing up later in the year.

Progress has been positive throughout the winter so far, with both Espargaro and Smith just 1.3s and 1.4s off the pace at the end of last week’s Phillip Island test.

“Right now the bull is a little bit wild, but it feels really good,” said Espargaro at the team’s launch.

“KTM is really new to MotoGP compared to other brands and we’re making huge steps. Every time we jump on the bike we get closer and it’s beautiful to see the evolution.”

![Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmotorsport.com/readmotorsport/2017/02/633256082.jpg)

Team-mate Smith admits that there is some pressure on him now that he is in a factory environment, but is relishing the challenge.

“There’s a lot of pressure. It’s something that you’ve always wished for and worked for throughout your career but when you finally get that opportunity there’s pressure that comes with it,” he said.

“But I embrace the opportunity that I have and both me and Pol – and the team – will be working extremely hard. We’ve been busy so far already in the winter tests and the work won’t stop. It’s just the beginning and I’m excited to see what 2017 brings.”

KTM and Aki Ajo join forces in the Moto2 class this season as well as in Moto3. The reigning world champion team in the intermediate class will field 2016 Moto3 champion Brad Binder and 2015 runner-up Miguel Oliveira.

![Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmotorsport.com/readmotorsport/2017/02/622847882.jpg)

South African Binder comes into 2017 on the back foot after breaking his left arm in a testing crash in Valencia last year. Unsure as to what to expect in his first season in Moto2, Binder is keeping his feet on the ground.

“Stepping up from Moto3 to Moto2 will always be tough but I haven’t set a goal to be honest, I just want to get on the bike and improve every time I do. Just keep working as hard as possible and see where we end up.”

In Moto3, 2015 Red Bull Rookies Cup winner Bo Bendsneyder remains with the team and will be joined by multiple grand prix winner Niccolo Antonelli. Team boss Ajo has made his intentions very clear for his lightweight class pairing.

![Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmotorsport.com/readmotorsport/2017/02/622849712.jpg)

“And in Moto3 we’ve fought for the title and this year we’ll try and do the same. Our targets are high.”

Testing resumes for KTM on March 8 with three days of running for their Moto2 and Moto3 riders at Jerez, with the MotoGP team taking to the Losail International Circuit in Qatar on March 10.