Luthi gets first KTM MotoGP test outing

Preparations continued for KTM's entry into the premier class at the Italian GP venue, where Luthi joined regular tester Mika Kallio on the RC16 bike following recent tests at Brno and Jerez.

Luthi, who currently lies fourth in the Moto2 standings, earned praise from team boss Mike Leitner, who said the Swiss rider was "surprisingly good and quick to adjust to our MotoGP bike."

Speaking about his experience, Luthi said: “After I won the 125cc title in 2005, I was able to do a few laps on a MotoGP bike on a half-dry circuit, but this was for me the first real test on such a bike.

"And despite the power, which you immediately feel, it was unbelievable how rideable the KTM RC16 was from the first lap.

"Even though the long straights and the hills and corners of this circuit are probably not the easiest for a MotoGP rookie, I was quickly able to be in Mika's range and learn a lot.

"My clear priority still lies with Moto2 but after these two days I’ll be less nervous, and I’ll look forward to the next tests side-by-side with the top guys in the premier class.”

KTM's next test will be at its home track, the Red Bull Ring, next month, ahead of the team's official presentation for the Austrian Grand Prix in August.

Current Tech 3 pairing Bradley Smith and Pol Espargaro have already been confirmed as the race riders for the new project, with Kallio signed as official tester.