Why KTM may be the biggest beneficiary of the new budget cap in formula 1
Categories: MotoGP
In the fight for the MotoGP crown in 2023, KTM is suddenly getting help from Formula 1 – the reason for this is the new budget cap in the premier class of motorsport.
Despite the rather mediocre qualifying performance of all KTM bikes on the grid, the 2022 campaign was a success for the Austrians. With two victories and various top 5 finishes, the KTM factory team achieved an incredible second place in the Team World Championship.
KTM celebrating MIguel Oliveira’s win in Indonesia – Image provided by Motorsport Images
It was almost enough for the vice world championship title in the more important Constructors’ World Championship, too. Only 16 points were missing after the season finale in Valencia to pass Yamaha.
Nevertheless, some major problem areas emerged for the Austrians. In particular, KTM needs to improve in the area of aerodynamics. “This is something we have never supported,” explains motorsport boss Pit Beirer.
For KTM, the now important development area had fallen to the back of the queue over the last two years.
“We have always wanted regulations that allow less aerodynamic development because we think these elements don’t help the class and only create unnecessary costs,” Pit Beirer told motorsport-magazin.com.
After a regulation change was prevented by Ducati at the MSMA meeting after the season finale in Valencia, the Austrians’ new path is clear.
“It is very clear that we will develop more in this direction. We have certainly missed a step in this direction recently because we were hoping for this change in regulations.”
KTM is receiving special support from Formula 1, as the new season will see the premier class of motor racing enter the third phase of its self-imposed budget cap.
For the 2023 season, costs of 135 million US dollars per team are allowed – including Red Bull Racing. The Austrian spirits company’s racing team will have to shift more capital for the new season.
In the course of reducing costs, various racing engineers from Formula 1 are switching to Red Bull’s sister company Red Bull Advanced Technologies.
In contrast to the team’s formula car, the new employer is also involved in KTM’s MotoGP development. The collaboration is likely to be felt in the aerodynamics area in particular.
For Pit Beirer, the newfound collaboration is the next step in pushing the MotoGP project forward. “We are really working together with the very best there and can take on the subject of aerodynamics so intensively.”
Although the new alliance only starts now that the 2022 season is over, hopes are already high for the start of the new season.
“You will already see the first accents on the bike in the new year, which will certainly support our riders and make the bike better.”