KTM smiles after the test with the 850 prototype: "Surprising lap times"

Espargaro tested a prototype with an 850cc engine, but KTM is also firmly focused on 2026: Beirer explains everything.

In recent days KTM surprised everyone by posting a video of Pol Espargaro on track at Jerez with a prototype built with 2027 in mind, the year a new technical regulation will come into force in MotoGP. Dani Pedrosa was also there to test the RC16 equipped with an 850cc engine, with the test team at full strength to work on a future yet to be written.

The Mattighofen manufacturer showed that, despite doubts about its presence in MotoGP after 2026, it is committed to the 2027 project. A demonstration that could also help attract investors who can ensure the Austrian brand continues at a high level, having recently come under the umbrella of the Indian company Bajaj.

Pit Beirer, interviewed by Speedweek, gave an account of the test carried out at Jerez with Espargaro and Pedrosa: "Both riders had a lot of fun with the 850. There are strong indications that the new concept devised by all parties involved can also work on track. Riding without the ride-height device worked perfectly, and everyone was surprised at how quickly the guys set very respectable lap times with the 850. The test went exceptionally well for us."

Espargaro and Pedrosa also worked with an RC16 in 2026 configuration, but for KTM it was essential to test the 2027 version as well. After the positive feedback from the new engine on the dyno, they decided on an aggressive approach and to bring a new prototype to the track as soon as possible. Beirer emphasizes that it isn’t so unusual to have made this choice: "We must not forget this: we are already under the 12-month threshold. In November 2026 we’ll have to roll eight fully finished 850s out of the garage. What is often forgotten is that afterward there’s time only until the Sepang tests to build the final material. The bikes that go to Malaysia in January are essentially the base material we’ll use for the season."

Even though the Mattighofen manufacturer has shown it is working on the 2027 project, it knows perfectly well it must also field a competitive RC16 in 2026, otherwise the chances of losing Pedro Acosta will increase: "2027 is one thing," said Beirer, "but for Pedro, 2026 is crucial. We can’t just race next season and hope for 2027. We have to deliver a brutal performance next year: 2026 will also determine our future in this paddock. We want to keep all four riders for 2027."

KTM’s Motorsport Director believes that the top riders, including Acosta, will wait a bit before making decisions about their future and signing new contracts: "I also think Pedro is smart enough to analyze our 2027 project carefully. The fact is that he doesn’t care how much money we can pay him in 2027: he wants to know whether he’ll have a bike that will win races."

Acosta, like almost all the riders on the MotoGP grid, has a contract expiring at the end of next year and consequently the market will be very interesting to follow. There could be sensational moves. Pedro will be one of the prized assets.

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