KTM's 850cc MotoGP Engine Test: A Surprising Success Story
KTM's MotoGP test team was in for a surprise when they first tested their 850cc engine in Jerez last week. Pit Beirer, KTM's boss, revealed that the team was "very surprised" by the lap times achieved by the engine during its initial outing. This test was a significant statement of intent from KTM, especially after the major financial crisis they faced over the last year.
The Austrian manufacturer made headlines when they revealed that they had tried their new 850cc engine for the first time during a private winter test at Jerez. This comes just a few weeks after KTM became the first manufacturer to reveal a clip of their 850cc engine running on the dyno. The test was overseen by Dani Pedrosa and Pol Espargaro, and KTM's bike did not have any ride height devices active, in line with the 2027 regulations. Pirelli tyres were also used during the test.
Despite no lap times being given, Pit Beirer assured that they were "very respectable." He also emphasized that both riders had a tremendous amount of fun with the 850, and the new concept devised by the team can also work on the track. The test went exceptionally well for KTM, as they were able to optimize the 2026 bike and simultaneously work on the 850 project with a completely independent unit.
The 2027 switch to 850cc bikes will be the first engine formula change since 2012, when the current 1000cc motors were introduced. For KTM, 2027 marks the first rule change cycle in MotoGP, as they entered the sport in 2017, a year into the Michelin era and a season into the change to spec electronics. No manufacturer has officially signed up for the new rules cycle, but it is expected to be a formality.
This test was a significant step forward for KTM, and it will be interesting to see how they perform in the upcoming seasons with their new 850cc engine.
