KTM may have the option to utilize six wildcard entries in MotoGP in 2024, with two highly capable test riders – Dani Pedrosa and Pol Espargaró. However, for now, KTM Motorsport director Pit Beirer has revealed that only Pedrosa’s participation in the Spanish Grand Prix is confirmed.
– At the moment, the only thing that is certain is that Dani Pedrosa will race in Jerez. Everything else will be decided as the season progresses. It also depends on how many races we need to test new components in competition. This requires some advance planning. We have to see what makes sense for the project. Pol would prefer to compete today rather than tomorrow, and Dani has his favorite tracks. On average, we have one test per month with our test team. Along with production, customs, transportation, and so on, it requires an advance time of two or three months.
When asked if solutions are tested privately before any wildcard entries, Beirer confirmed: ‘Exactly. First, you need to test without the pressure of competition. But at some point, you seek confirmation with a wildcard about how the new components perform under the stress of competition, on a fast lap, or in the midst of other bikes’.
Despite the concessions allowing for six wildcard entries, Beirer admitted that KTM is unlikely to utilize all of them: ‘Honestly, I don’t see us taking advantage of all six. But there will be some wildcard entries, that’s for sure’.