KTM RC16 turns first laps ahead of 2017 MotoGP return

The manufacturer will join the MotoGP grid in 2017, after undertaking an extensive test programme next year.

Alex Hofmann completed the three-day Austrian test, while Mika Kallio, , will make his debut on the bike later this year.

KTM motorsport director Pit Beirer said watching the first laps completed by the bike on Thursday was "an emotional moment".

"A very big thanks to Alex and the entire team for the excellent performance," he added.

"The feedback and the fact that we were already able to put in very many laps without any problems gives us a lot of motivation for the next steps in this long journey towards our entry into MotoGP in 2017."

Technical director Sebastian Risse said: "There was of course a great deal of tension and pressure on the team and the roll-out took place earlier and on a larger scale than originally planned.

"The fact that it all went as smoothly as it did, and the data that we have been able to gather makes us very optimistic about the further development of the KTM RC16.

"Although we are still far removed from the detailed work, these three days were a very positive and instructive test for us."