After the consolidated successes in rallies, KTM is increasingly investing in circuit competitions. The flagship is MotoGP, where it is becoming a solid contender for the top positions, and the World Supersport Championship should be the next program.
The manufacturer from Mattighofen is already in the World Supersport 300, with two RC 390 R operated by Freudenberg KTM-Paligo Racing. According to the website GPOne.com, it is now considering an ‘innovative project’ for the WSSP, thus reinforcing its presence in the paddock of production-derived motorcycle championships.
There have been talks with the FIM and Dorna for a few months and Mike Leitner was recently at the Barcelona round. For now, a test with the new bike is being planned, which should take place during one of the upcoming rounds of the British Superbike Championship – whose bikes have the same configuration found in the World Championship.
What will be the model, if KTM enters the WSSP? It is expected that the choice will be the RC 990, with a two-cylinder engine and a power that can be between 135hp and 145hp. However, the displacement may have to be changed, unless the regulations change – currently only allowing 960cc for two-cylinder engines.
The Pierer Mobility group is already represented in the WSSP. MV Agusta, which was recently acquired by the Austrians, competes through MV Agusta Corse Clienti, as well as having two bikes delivered to Motozoo ME AIR Racing. However, the presence of the Italian brand does not prevent KTM from entering – especially since the possibility of both manufacturers having separate projects in MotoGP in the future is admitted.
