KTM’s strong early challenge at Jerez – with Pol Espargaro setting third-fastest time in the first free practice – reflected a temporary change in approach for the Austrian manufacturer.

With test rider Mika Kallio taking a wild card ride on the 2019 prototype Red Bull KTM, Motorsports Director Pit Beirer explained this had freed up the regular riders to concentrate on racing rather than development.

Normally, he explained, Espargaro and team-mate Bradley Smith would have a lot of different parts to test at each race. This affected their performance, especially in the early sessions. “This weekend we decided that they should concentrate on race set-up from the beginning.

“It’s nice to see, and it looks like we can be competitive,” he said.

In the afternoon, Espargaro failed to improve and dropped to tenth overall … but still less than seven tenths off the fastest time.

Kallio’s prototype bike had small differences in chassis and engine, he said, declining to enlarge on the details.

By Michael Scott

Pol Espargaro,