KTM Factory Racing
KTM's MotoGP journey: from debut in 2017 to first win in 2020.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing is the factory team of KTM active in the MotoGP World Championship supported by sponsor, drinks manufacturer Red Bull.
Quick Facts
- Manufacturer
- KTM (Austrian)
- Headquarters
- Mattighofen, Upper Austria
- Motogp debut
- 2017 (RC16 era)
- Engine configuration
- V4
- Motogp bike designation
- RC16
- Primary title sponsor
- Red Bull
- Team colour
- Orange
Lore & Background
KTM have a well-established presence amongst off-road motorcycle sport and entered MotoGP in the premier class of motorcycle road racing. In September 2014, Pit Beirer announced that KTM were to start in MotoGP for 2017, even though work on the project had not started. A year and a half before their MotoGP debut, KTM tested their V4 engine for the first time. In October 2015, the KTM RC16 was track-tested for the first time at the Red Bull Ring with Alex Hofmann as the first test rider. The team presented the RC16 to the public before the start of the 2016 Austrian GP. Mika Kallio had a wildcard entry for the 2016 Valencian GP, making the official debut race for the machine. In November 2016, Kallio rode the RC16 as a wildcard at Valencia, qualifying 20th but retiring due to a rear wheel sensor malfunction. Pol Espargaró and Bradley Smith tested the RC16 during the first official winter test after the 2016 season. The team made their debut in the MotoGP category at the 2017 Qatar motorcycle Grand Prix. KTM secured their first MotoGP win on 9 August 2020 at the Czech Grand Prix with Brad Binder.
Reader's Guide
The KTM GP Academy was created as a talent filtering system to identify, support, and nurture prospects from development series like the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup, the Northern Talent Cup, and the Austrian Junior Cup through Moto3 and Moto2. The factory-run structure is established with the cooperation of key teams and partners such as Red Bull KTM Ajo and Red Bull KTM Tech3, with the goal of eventually elevating an athlete onto the MotoGP grid. Names like Brad Binder, Augusto Fernandez, Miguel Oliveira, and Remy Gardner have all made full steps through the KTM GP Academy while Pedro Acosta has won two titles in just three seasons of Grand Prix competition.
More in Tracks & Paddock Culture
Elsewhere in MotoGP
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced