The carbon fiber frame is not a new concept in MotoGP, but a frame made entirely of this material has not been used since Ducati introduced it on the 2009, 2010 and 2011 bikes. Despite having won a race with Casey Stoner, Ducati has struggled to maintain the winning form of 2007, when it used a steel trellis frame, and has abandoned the carbon concept for 2012, when it switched to a conventional aluminum design.
Aluminum frames were standard on the grid until KTM debuted in 2017 and brought with it the steel trellis frame, a concept that underpins the Austrian brand’s DNA. KTM has consistently rejected suggestions that it would find competitiveness in MotoGP by conforming to its rivals with an aluminum frame, so it has remained steadfastly true to its ideas. Since 2020, KTM has won at least one race and has been rewarded for its determination.
On Friday at Misano, however, KTM hinted at its next development step when 31-time MotoGP winner Pedrosa completed both test sessions – finishing third overall – with a carbon fiber frame. Aprilia recently tested its own carbon fiber frame, while numerous manufacturers have used carbon inserts on their aluminum frames in recent seasons.
But KTM is clearly at an advanced stage with its concept, which Pedrosa says was only tested for a short time before making its Grand Prix debut this weekend. When asked to talk about the chassis, Pedrosa – like all of KTM – remained cautious: “We are using a different chassis. We are still testing and collecting different information. I can’t provide details, but the feeling is certainly different. We are trying and will collect all the information we can this weekend after participating in the sessions with the riders and collecting more data for the future.”
Dani Pedrosa, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
As with any other chassis, KTM’s carbon fiber example is aimed at improving cornering and grip, an Achilles’ heel for KTM riders in recent years. The Austrian GP weekend was a perfect demonstration of this. Although the RC16 is able to compete with the Ducati in terms of power, Brad Binder was unable to match the GP23 in the initial phase of corner exit. At the Red Bull Ring, Bagnaia won the Sprint by over two seconds and the grand prix by more than five.
In terms of pure performance, quantifying the gain of the new KTM chassis right now is almost impossible. But, at least, a tenth and a half separates Pedrosa and Binder, third and ninth respectively on Friday in Misano. In MotoGP development has focused on aerodynamics and height adjustment devices, but it seems that the chassis is the next battleground, not least if aerodynamics and RHDs are reduced in next seasons’ regulations.
KTM’s next step with this chassis will be known after Monday’s test at Misano, where Jack Miller and Binder will likely get their hands on it. What this chassis represents, however, is how European manufacturers are unwilling to stand still. It’s been like this for a few years now: Ducati, KTM and Aprilia have moved to the front of the group, while their Japanese rivals Honda and Yamaha are struggling at the back, struggling to abandon their old mentality to the detriment of their projects.
KTM’s proven steel frame concept has served it well in myriad disciplines over the years and has led the Austrian brand to success in MotoGP. However, in an attempt to take the final step towards winning the title, KTM is not afraid to look outside the box.
Pedrosa has experience of both the Japanese and European working methods, but said: “I can only speak for KTM and they are doing their best, as you can see. I think they are open to new technologies and new methods, and the team is working very well.” Next year, in the pre-season period, don’t be surprised to see carbon fiber frames in the garages of all the manufacturers…
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