KTM's MotoGP team is off to a promising start with its new chassis, according to rising star Pedro Acosta. This comes as a relief after KTM's parent company faced financial struggles, prompting a more aggressive testing strategy for the 2025 season.
The Sepang test on Tuesday saw KTM's Tech3 rider Maverick Vinales in third place overall, while Acosta, in 15th, opted not to push for time attack runs. The team focused on testing a new chassis concept, which Acosta praised for its potential.
Acosta revealed, "The new chassis configuration is encouraging, and it's a fresh approach. We spent the morning experimenting with various setups, and the initial results were satisfactory." He added, "Despite a challenging tire management situation, we made the most of the first day, focusing on testing rather than lap times."
But here's where it gets controversial: Acosta's extensive chassis testing led to higher tire usage, which may affect their strategy for the remaining test days. He acknowledged, "We might need to focus more on refining our approach on day two, as we've already pushed the tires significantly."
Meanwhile, Vinales shared his positive experience with the KTM, highlighting the absence of pain in his previously injured shoulder. He stated, "I immediately felt comfortable on the bike, and the shoulder held up well. It's a great improvement from last season, where I struggled to push due to the injury."
Vinales' recovery and the team's new chassis concept have sparked optimism for the upcoming races. But will these early signs of progress translate into consistent results? Share your thoughts on KTM's strategy and their chances in the MotoGP 2025 season!