KTM unleashes the engine again: Pol Espargaro explains the consequences

KTM recently had to reduce the engine power of the RC16 in MotoGP. Following problems with the engines, the Austrian manufacturer took the precautionary measure of reducing the maximum revs by 500 rpm. This restriction is set to be lifted from the upcoming race weekend at Misano.

What sounds at first glance like a minor adjustment has had a significant impact on the RC16’s set-up. KTM test rider Pol Espargaro explained that the missing 500 rpm were by no means only noticeable on the long straights and at top speed.

“I hope we get them back,” said Espargaro, looking ahead to Misano. “When you have more revs available, it’s not just about what people imagine – that is, fifth and sixth gears and top speed.”

More revs mean fewer compromises

Far more crucial, he said, is the impact the restricted rev range has on gearbox calibration. On certain circuits, the RC16 lacked the necessary revs to be able to stay in one gear right up to the next braking point. As a result, compromises had to be made with the gear ratios.

“Sometimes you have to tune the gearbox differently because the engine hits the rev limiter so early and you’re missing those 500 revolutions to make it to the next corner,” explained the Spaniard. “Then you have to adjust the entire gearbox set-up, and that affects every corner. That’s why it’s quite critical.”

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The consequence: a measure designed to protect the engines not only affected acceleration and top speed, but could also have an impact on practically an entire lap due to the necessary choice of gear ratios.

Return to the usual rev limit particularly important at Misano

From Espargaro’s point of view, the fact that KTM will be able to use the original maximum revs again from Misano onwards therefore comes at just the right time. The Misano World Circuit offers plenty of grip and demands strong acceleration out of the corners.

“If we can get the revs back at Misano, that would be fantastic,” said Espargaro enthusiastically. “Misano is also a track with a great deal of grip, where you need a lot of acceleration. A few extra revs will help us a great deal there.”

This means that Pedro Acosta, Brad Binder, Enea Bastianini and Espargaro will once again have the full rev range of the RC16 at Misano. For KTM, this means not only more engine power but, above all, greater freedom once more when it comes to setting up the bike.