KTM Gets Permission to Fix MotoGP Engine, but Not in Time for Silverstone

KTM has finally received permission to replace the faulty components inside its MotoGP engines, but the fix cannot be implemented before this weekend's British Grand Prix at Silverstone. This decision comes as a relief for the Austrian manufacturer, which has been struggling with reduced engine performance due to interim solutions.

In an official statement provided to Crash.net, KTM confirmed they have obtained the necessary approval to proceed with corrective measures related to the technical matter they have been managing. "We aim to implement these measures as soon as possible. For Silverstone, we will continue with the interim solutions currently in place," the statement read.

The interim solutions are believed to result in reduced engine performance. Nonetheless, receiving permission to replace the affected parts represents a major boost for the Austrian manufacturer, which faced completing the season without full performance and penalties if it exceeded the specified number of engine changes.

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The problem has caused some KTM engines to suddenly shut down, most notably when Pedro Acosta was leading May's Catalan Grand Prix. That in turn resulted in a major accident for Alex Marquez, who was following closely behind.

During the German Grand Prix, KTM motorsport director Pit Beirer confirmed to Sky Italia that "there is something wrong inside our engines." Beirer then told Speedweek.com during the summer break: "We eventually discovered that we were using high-stress parts in the powertrain which did not meet the specified quality standards. These critical engine components failed under certain conditions. These are components from a supplier, and having investigated the cause, we can now also rule out the possibility that this damage would occur with 'correct' parts."

MotoGP's engine homologation rules meant KTM needed permission from the other manufacturers before opening its sealed engines to replace the affected components. Beirer explained that they submitted a special application to the MSMA manufacturers' association, accompanied by detailed documentation, requesting permission to open the affected engines under controlled conditions during the summer break. "We have already received positive feedback on this during the Sachsenring GP, although some responses are still pending. We hope for good cooperation here too and are demonstrating full transparency to all parties involved regarding the entire process," he added.

Acosta, the stand-out RC16 rider, is currently seventh in the world championship, with KTM third out of five in the constructors' standings. With this permission, KTM hopes to quickly restore full performance and compete more competitively in the remaining races.