MOTOGP: First full test for KTM

KTM has completed the first full test of the RC16 it will develop next year before returning to MotoGP in 2017.

Following an initial three-day shakedown at the Red Bull Ring last month, the team spent last weekend at Valencia. Former MotoGP rider Alex Hoffmann spent Saturday on the bike, before the team's other test rider Mika Kallio turned his first laps it on Sunday.

The test was also a return to MotoGP machinery for Kallio, who spent two seasons in the premier class on Pramac-run Ducatis before returning to Moto2 in 2011. Kallio finished 10th in the 2015 Moto2 finale at Valencia earlier this month.

"Clearly, there was still a lot of question marks before the test, but I'm now very happy and I can go into the winter break with a good feeling," he said. "Alex and the team have already done impressive work, we had absolutely no problems and we're already on a really high level. Nevertheless, we still have a long way to go and I'm looking forward to the next test."

The Valencia test was KTM's last on-track running of the year, before the RC16 testing program resumes in February.

"I'm very impressed with what the team has achieved in the four weeks since the rollout," KTM's Mike Leitner said. "There is already an excellent team spirit and this means a quick response onsite followed by considered action at the factory. The GP circuit at Valencia had a lot more grip than Spielberg but even this worked very well with our package."

Originally on Autosport.com