MotoGP, KTM bounces back with Oliveira: too late for the title fight?

The 2019 season taught us to expect big things from KTM but from what we’ve seen so far in 2021, the Austrian manufacturer’s performance is already in line with that of the most experienced and veteran MotoGP teams. Particularly thanks to Miguel Oliveira, who has amassed 65 points in the last three races with two second places and a win. But what has brought such a change? And how high can KTM really go?

A new frame that fits Oliveira like a glove

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The new RC16 frame has clearly come as a breath of fresh air for the orange riders, particularly the official flagbearers. A new frame can in fact make a real difference on track if the rider is comfortable with it. And it’s clear that the new KTM frame perfectly suits the needs of the Portuguese rider, who in turn has made it his own. Something that Brad Binder hasn’t yet done perhaps, considering the results, but it is proving beneficial to him too. While Oliveira has scored a second, a first and another second place since the Mugello race, or rather since the introduction of the new KTM frame, Brad Binder has also improved, crossing the line fifth at Mugello, eighth at Montmeló and fourth in Germany. Prior to Mugello, the South African’s results weren’t as bad as those of Oliveira, but the Portuguese rider has evidently shown the greatest improvement.

But might it be that the rider was simply lucky in these races? Definitely not. If we consider today's MotoGP scenario, with different winners week in and week out, seeing a rider score such consistent results in three different races and at contrasting tracks should have us reflecting on the entire season and the 2021 title too. Might Miguel Oliveira be in with a shot? The road is long and winding, but never say never. For now he holds 74 points, or rather 57 less than current leader Fabio Quartararo. Oliveira lies seventh behind Maverick Vinales, with only one point between them, but considering Miguel’s current form and the negative performances of Maverick in the last races, we’re sure he’ll soon move ahead. But at that point, the KTM rider will find himself dealing with some very tough competition in the shape of current champion Joan Mir, Francesco Bagnaia, Jack Miller, Johann Zarco and Quartararo.

The Austria double-header will be key

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And the next tracks are Assen and then, after the summer break, the double-header in Austria, where the KTMs will battle it out on home turf at what is a strong track for Ducati. It goes without saying that, Oliveira aside, Binder, Petrucci and Lecuona will also be pushing hard, having only tested the new frame during the Montmeló tests. But KTM has another ace up its sleeve in the shape of Dani Pedrosa. The Spanish test rider seems to have paved the way for this recent string of strong results, providing the orange riders with a bike that is quick, agile and easy to ride. The riders are doing a great job, but so too are Pedrosa and the test team!

Translated by Heather Watson

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