KTM RC16


KTM RC16 is a grand prix racing motorcycle which was developed to race in the MotoGP series, starting from the 2017 season

History

The RC16 made its debut as a wildcard entry at the 2016 Valencian Community motorcycle Grand Prix with test rider Mika Kallio. For KTM's return to MotoGP in 2017, their new factory team signed 2009 125cc runner-up, Bradley Smith and the 2013 Moto2 Champion, Pol Espargaró from Monster Yamaha Tech3. Their team principals are Pit Beirer and Aki Ajo who is also Red Bull KTM Ajo's team principal.
On November 18, 2018, the RC16 achieved its first ever podium finish, having finished in 3rd place in the 2018 Valencian Community motorcycle Grand Prix with Pol Espargaró after starting the race from 6th on the grid.
For 2019, Tech3 became KTM's satellite team, fielding Hafizh Syahrin, Miguel Oliveira, and Iker Lecuona who replaced Oliveira at Valencia.

Designation

The motorcycle's name derives from KTM's long-standing usage of the "RC" designation for its sportbikes, beginning with the RC8, RC 390, and RC 125 production models and also applied since 2012 to the RC250GP Moto3 machine. KTM has not officially confirmed the reasoning for the "16" designation, but it is suspected to be related to the number of valves in the engine, similar to the designation of the V-twin RC8.

Specifications

Complete MotoGP results