Augusto Fernandez will have a full factory specification KTM RC16 for his rookie MotoGP campaign in 2023, having completed all pre-season testing with the ’22 model of bike.
The reigning Moto2 world champion will be the only rookie to line-up in Portimao for the start of this year’s premier class season at the end of March, the Spaniard having graduated within the KTM rider hierarchy to the Tech 3-run GasGas operation.
Even though Tech 3 have run current-spec KTM machinery since it joined up with the marque for the 2019 term, Fernandez’s pre-season running on last year’s RC16 prompted questions as to whether he would remain on the older bike versus team-mate Pol Espargaro, who was confirmed early on to be running the ’23 prototype.
Speaking to Austrian publication Speedweek, KTM Motorsport Director Pit Beirer confirmed Fernandez would be afforded the ’23-spec RC16 having impressed the operation with his work and feedback running the ’22 bike across the two pre-season tests so far in Valencia and at Sepang, adding that it “wouldn’t make any sense” for him to run the older bike at odds to his team-mates.
“There was never any talk of old material for Augusto,” said Beirer.
“He gets the same material as Pol right from the start as this is the only way we can really compare the data, which helps us in motorcycle development.
“Augusto can also easily compare the data with Pol for his driving style. We’re so well prepared now that it wouldn’t make any sense to give him a 2022 machine.
“His statements about the bike were very good after a short time, as were his lap times for a rookie.
“It is a great pleasure to work with him.”
Fernandez ended up classified in 21st overall at the end of the second pre-season outing at the Sepang Circuit in Malaysia earlier this month his best effort of 1:59.660s leaving him 1.771s adrift of overall leader Luca Marini’s Ducati.
Team-mate Espargaro ended up as the quickest of the KTM contingent in 13th overall, just under a second down on the VR46 rider’s benchmark.
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