KTM Riders Show Promising Performance Ahead of Aragon Qualifying
As the anticipation builds for the MotoGP race at Aragon, the riders from KTM are exhibiting a mix of optimism and caution regarding their chances on the track. Notably, this weekend marks a significant achievement for the Austrian team, as three of their riders advanced to the second qualifying session (Q2) for the first time in 2025 following the practice sessions on Friday.
Strong Showings from KTM Riders
Leading the charge for KTM was Maverick Viñales, who secured an impressive third place in the timesheets. He was closely followed by his factory teammates, Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder, who finished fifth and seventh, respectively. Enea Bastianini, the fourth KTM rider, narrowly missed out on a Q2 spot, ending his session in 13th place, just two-and-a-half tenths of a second away from breaking into the top 10.
The atmosphere within the KTM camp is notably upbeat, particularly for Brad Binder, who shared insights about the incremental improvements that contributed to their performances. Binder expressed his satisfaction with the results, emphasizing the progress they made throughout the day.
Binder’s Reflections on Practice
“Firstly, I’m happy to have made it straight into Q2; it’s been a while since that’s happened, so that’s definitely a positive,” Binder stated. He continued, “This morning, I faced quite a bit of understeer, but we discovered something this afternoon that significantly boosted my confidence in the front end. It felt great.”
He further elaborated on the improvements, stating, “I experienced much less understeer, which is a big relief. Overall, things are looking pretty good. There are still adjustments we can explore for tomorrow, but I believe we’ve made a solid step in the right direction for this circuit.”
Viñales’ Optimism and Areas for Improvement
Maverick Viñales echoed Binder’s sentiments, noting the promising pace he displayed while acknowledging that there’s still work to be done. “This is one of those Fridays where we can feel more positive about our performance; KTM has a reason to be optimistic,” he remarked.
However, Viñales pointed out that there are specific areas of the track where they can enhance their performance. “Using the medium tires made the bike noticeably easier to handle, but I feel there’s a slight imbalance when switching to the soft rear tire,” he explained. “The front end tends to drift, making it challenging to maintain precision in the first, second, and third sections.”
Analyzing the Track Performance
Viñales continued to assess the track dynamics, stating, “In section four, I believe we are strong, especially in section two. However, there’s still room for improvement in sections one and three, where maintaining corner speed is crucial. It’s quite challenging during time attacks. With the used medium tires, I felt we had considerable potential during my third outing.”
The KTM riders appear to be in a good position as they prepare for the qualifying session, but they are holding off on making any definitive judgments until they see how they perform tomorrow.
The Road Ahead for KTM in MotoGP
The performance of the KTM team in the lead-up to the Aragon qualifying session showcases their determination to improve and compete at a high level. With Viñales, Binder, Acosta, and Bastianini, the team has a mix of experienced riders and emerging talent who are eager to make their mark on the MotoGP circuit. The upcoming qualifying session will serve as a crucial indicator of their readiness to tackle the challenges of the race.
As they gear up for the next round of competition, the focus will be on fine-tuning their setups and strategies to maximize their performance on race day. The excitement surrounding the KTM riders is palpable, and fans are eager to see how they will translate their practice successes into qualifying and ultimately into race results.
With the right adjustments and a positive mindset, KTM has the potential to make a significant impact in the upcoming race at Aragon. The team’s performance will be closely watched as they strive for excellence and aim to secure strong results on the track.
