MotoGP: Reiterberger gets KTM test chance

German Superbike champion Marcus Reiterberger has been given a chance to make his MotoGP debut, after joining the Red Bull KTM squad during their private test last week at the Motorland Aragon circuit in Spain.

Coming only weeks after he wrapped up the 2017 IDM championship for BMW, the German got to take to the track for his first taste of prototype Grand Prix machinery – and says he wasn’t disappointed by what he discovered.

“I first want to say to KTM a big thank you for making this happen and for my team to let me test. It’s amazing for me to come here and test the MotoGP bike. The feeling is amazing for the first few laps over a day where I did about seven runs and improved a little bit for the feeling and for the lap time, so in the end I was happy. Of course, there is a little bit of time to make up but after half a day I’m really happy to test this MotoGP bike, so we will see what the future brings.

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“Regarding the difference between a Superbike and a prototype bike, the riding style is completely different and it’s a little bit difficult to understand how to ride the bike but you need to ride much smoothly; it’s different from a Superbike where you have to brake as hard as possible, turn it and open the gas as you really have to ride this one smoothly. That’s where the time will come if I get the possibility to try a MotoGP bike again. Thank you again to KTM. A day to remember.”

Reiterberger’s test seems to have been a one-off for him, coming as part of KTM’s desire to have as many riders on the RC16 machine as possible, with the IDM champion joining a long list of names that includes Alex Hoffman, Randy de Puniet and current KTM Moto2 rider Miguel Oliveira

He may not be the only person to be rewarded for championship success on the RC16 either, with KTM boss Stefan Pierer also offering a test ride on the machine to nine-time MXGP champion Tony Cairoli.

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