KTM GETS OK TO REPLACE FAULTY MOTOGP ENGINE PARTS BUT CAN’T MAKE SILVERSTONE

KTM has secured the required approval to carry out corrective work on its MotoGP engines, but the change will not be ready in time for this weekend’s Silverstone round. In a statement to Crash.net, KTM confirmed it has “received the necessary approval to proceed with the corrective measures related to the technical matter we have been managing,” adding that it “aim[s] to implement these measures as soon as possible.” For Silverstone, the team says it will “continue with the interim solutions currently in place.”

The interim approach is expected to come with a performance impact, with Crash.net reporting that the temporary measures are believed to reduce engine output. KTM’s concern was also acknowledged publicly during the German Grand Prix, when Motorsport director Pit Beirer told Sky Italia that “there is something wrong inside our engines.” Later, during the summer break, Beirer explained to Speedweek.com that KTM “eventually discovered” it had been using high-stress parts that did not meet specified quality standards.

MotoGP engine homologation rules require sealed components, so KTM needed permission from other manufacturers. Beirer said KTM submitted “a special application” with detailed documentation to open the affected engines under controlled conditions during the summer break, aiming to replace the critical components with identical-spec parts. Motorsport.com and Autosport report KTM will be able to open the sealed RC16 engines the week before the Aragon GP, after receiving the green light from the other manufacturers via the MSMA and IRTA.