Pedro Acosta has noticed that KTM’s top speed has declined compared to other competitors during the initial rounds of the 2026 MotoGP season.
With an engine freeze implemented ahead of new technical rules, no enhancements to power units could be made over the winter to boost performance. However, there were opportunities for development in areas such as air intake, electronics, ride-height devices, and aerodynamics, all of which impact straight-line speed.
In Thailand, the quickest KTM, ridden by Enea Bastianini, reached a peak speed of 342.8 km/h, while Aprilia riders Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi clocked 345.0 km/h and a Ducati, ridden by the defending champion Marc Marquez, reached 341.7 km/h.
At the Brazilian GP, the Ducati again led the chart with a speed of 348.3 km/h by Marquez. Bezzecchi’s best Aprilia run was 346.1 km/h, while Acosta managed 342.8 km/h for KTM. In Austin, Aprilia set the fastest mark with Bezzecchi hitting 353.9 km/h, followed by Ducati at 352.7 km/h with Fabio di Giannantonio, and KTM trailing once more at 349.2 km/h.
Improved Cornering, Decreased Speed
The RC16 has shown improvements in cornering, but this has seemingly come at the expense of straight-line velocity. Acosta reflected, stating that while their cornering has improved, their straight-line speed has weakened significantly compared to previous seasons. He explained, “Top speed is not where it used to be; we now excel more in corners than before.”
Brad Binder corroborated this sentiment, mentioning the recent changes to the aerodynamic package aimed at enhancing cornering capabilities. “The bike turns and stops better, but it seems we’ve increased drag as a result,” he said. As a result, the overall performance in straights has become trickier compared to prior seasons.
Identifying the Issue
A question looms: has KTM genuinely regressed in speed or have their competitors simply advanced further? Tech3 rider Maverick Vinales remarked that overtaking on the straights felt easier last year, suggesting potential improvements from other manufacturers. “We recognized some loss in top speed this year, but we aimed to enhance our cornering and braking capabilities,” Vinales noted.
Despite these challenges, KTM has made a strong start to the 2026 season, spearheaded by Acosta, who won the sprint race in Buriram and podiums in both Thailand and the United States. After three races, the Mattighofen-based team finds itself in third place in the constructors’ standings, just four points behind Ducati.
