Pedro Acosta topped the timesheets on the opening day of the Austrian Grand Prix, raising hopes that KTM can end a four-year winless streak at the Red Bull Ring. The Spanish rider led both practice sessions on Friday, finishing 0.127s ahead of Gresini's Fermin Aldeguer, with Ai Ogura as the best Aprilia in third.
History shows that the Red Bull Ring suits the RC16, but Acosta's dominance on day one is no coincidence. Several factors are converging to make KTM stronger than in previous years.
First, the reliability issues that plagued the team in the first half of the season were fixed last month. Now, KTM has a bike that is not only fast on the straights but also reliable. The stop-and-go layout of Spielberg, with its heavy braking zones and acceleration from low speed, perfectly matches the RC16's renowned braking prowess.
Second, the special rear tyre from Michelin. This reinforced-carcass tyre is only used at high-load tracks like Buriram and the Red Bull Ring. Acosta scored his maiden sprint win the last time this tyre was used in Thailand. Its return to Austria is a boon for KTM. Brad Binder explained, "With this different rear tyre, it doesn't push the front as much, and I don't have the big issues on the front I normally have. So, it gives me a bit more confidence just to go out and ride my bike."
KTM test rider Pol Espargaro, who is again substituting for the injured Maverick Vinales at Tech3, added that grip levels at the Red Bull Ring are lower this year compared to last, making the track even more suitable for the current bike. "This year, we are having better weekends when the grip on the track is not so good, like Barcelona. In the past, we were performing in places where the grip was very high and now it's completely the opposite," he said.
With Acosta and Binder's performance, KTM has a strong chance to at least fight for pole position and challenge for the podium. However, the challenge remains. Ducati and Aprilia still have a technical advantage, and they won't back down. Qualifying and the race will be the true test for KTM to prove that their Red Bull Ring advantage is not just an illusion.
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