KTM Gets MSMA Approval to Repair RC16 Engine Parts After Damage Series

KTM has received approval to “correct” the RC16 engines after a prolonged investigation into the cause of a run of motor failures. According to Speedweek, the Austrian team’s racing department in Munderfing identified the underlying issue following an intensive review of possible fault sources after the Sachsenring Grand Prix.

The context is that MotoGP’s engine development has been frozen, meaning manufacturers are not allowed to introduce updates to their 2026-specification direction. KTM therefore sought permission through the MSMA (manufacturers’ association) to open the RC16 power units anyway—arguing that the work would not be an alteration of the homologated 2026 specification, but a correction of defective components supplied by a partner.

Speedweek reports that KTM initially expected a quick response from the four manufacturers, but final confirmation from MSMA took until after the summer break.

With the green light in place, KTM can open the engines under the supervision of the official technical commission and carry out the requested corrective actions. However, the team has not yet been able to implement the fix. When Speedweek asked KTM’s racing department for an update, the team said: “We can confirm that we have received the required approval to implement the corrective measures in connection with the technical matter we are working on. We are aiming to implement these measures as quickly as possible. For Silverstone we will keep the current transitional solutions.”

The report leaves open whether the affected race engines can be revised in time for the next MotoGP event in two weeks at MotorLand Aragon, with the work planned under IRTA oversight. Once the damaged parts are replaced, KTM riders are expected to return to the originally set maximum rev limit.

For Silverstone, though, the four RC16 riders will still compete under reduced revs—meaning less power—while the transitional approach remains in effect.