KTM CEO says new MotoGP rival Honda his 'most-hated competitor'
KTM CEO Stefan Pierer says his brand is relishing going up against its "most hated competitor" Honda in MotoGP this year, blasting the Japanese marque for alleged attempts at cheating
Pierer took aim on Monday during the KTM's 2017 launch, where the Austrian manufacturer unveiled the colours its RC16 will carry in its first full season in MotoGP.
KTM also presented its new Moto2 programme, and it was in answering a question about the prospect of supplying engines to the category that Pierer directed his jab at Honda, which has a deal as sole provider through to 2018.
"Moto2 is cheaper than Moto3, because the engine is frozen," Pierer said.
"[The engine] is coming from my most-hated competitor, Honda.
"But I don't have any problem with that, to cover that and put on that KTM.
"And from what I've heard, Triumph will deliver [the engine from 2019] and maybe it sounds nicer!"
Asked to elaborate on his animosity towards Honda, Pierer outlined instances in which he believes it has crossed the line.
During the 2017 Dakar Rally, Honda riders were given one-hour penalties for refuelling in a prohibited zone, tipping the victory battle in KTM's favour.
Early last year, Pierer accused Moto3 rival Honda of exceeding the category's maximum rev limits during the 2015 season, in which Honda rider Danny Kent beat KTM factory rider Miguel Oliveira to the title by six points.
"Honda is the big challenge, and secondly Honda is always trying to cheat around the regulation," he added.
"Look at Dakar, what happened two months ago.
"It's always the same - also in Moto3. I don't know why, they don't need to do that.
"That's the reason we like to beat Honda."
Previous article
Tech3 Yamaha rookie Jonas Folger surprised by MotoGP test pace
Next article
KTM wants to supply MotoGP bikes for satellite team in 2018
Marc Marquez is back
MotoGP Starting Grid: Portugal Grand Prix
MotoGP Starting Grid: Doha Grand Prix
Marc Márquez's first ride after his injury
Marc Marquez continues his recovery
Why MotoGP will miss its gentle giant
Danilo Petrucci’s days in MotoGP appear numbered, as KTM looks to completely reshuffle the Tech3 team for 2022. Though the Italian's 2021 season so far hasn’t been standout, the giant Italian covertly became a top runner in MotoGP across the last decade and brought with him a personality that world sport sorely needs more of
Why Mir's MotoGP title defence can’t be written off yet
Joan Mir’s defence of his MotoGP title has had an underwhelming start as Suzuki didn’t progress its championship-winning GSX-RR as much as its rivals did with their bikes over the winter. Speaking to Autosport, Mir lays out why his title defence has been stalled so far and why he’s confident title number two is still within reach
The Rossi replacement who’s become the MotoGP leader Yamaha needed
It's been six years since Jorge Lorenzo gave Yamaha its last MotoGP title in 2015. Since his departure at the end of 2016, Yamaha's form has been inconsistent but it has at last found a new talisman to return it to the top spot in the form of a precociously talented Frenchman who currently leads the standings
Why the Vinales/Yamaha MotoGP divorce satisfies both parties
On Monday Yamaha announced it will part ways with Maverick Vinales at the end of the 2021 season - a move requested by the rider. As the already strained relationship between both parties in MotoGP hit rock bottom in recent weeks, this divorce - as ORIOL PUIGDEMONT writes - is good for both Yamaha and Vinales for a number of reasons
The unexpected Rossi/Ducati MotoGP sequel offering redemption
A decade after first linking up with Ducati in what turned out to be an ill-fated period in his MotoGP career, Valentino Rossi has joined forces with the Italian marque once more - this time as a team owner. And the VR46/Ducati tie-up beginning in 2022 has the potential to right the wrongs of Rossi and Ducati's nadir of 2011/2012
Why Yamaha is about to risk losing Valentino Rossi
With Valentino Rossi’s next career move imminent in MotoGP, it is set to have wide-reaching influences on a number of riders and teams on the grid. But one of the biggest impacts will be felt at Yamaha, with its pivotal role in the saga set to see it lose its appointment with ‘The Doctor’
How Marquez beat his Honda in his heroic MotoGP comeback win
Marc Marquez has been through hell and back in the 581 days between his win in the 2019 Valencia season finale and his heroic MotoGP comeback victory in Germany last Sunday. Despite battling physical limitations and a difficult 2021-spec Honda, the Sachsenring provided the perfect storm for the Spaniard to return to the top step
Why Quartararo’s Catalunya suit penalty highlights a wider issue in MotoGP
OPINION: Fabio Quartararo racing with his leather suit open and subsequent penalty has been the main talking point of the Catalunya MotoGP weekend, which has highlighted a wider issue with MotoGP’s stewarding that risks a negative precedent going forward
