P1racenews AI automatic summary:
KTM may have fast-tracked the introduction of its carbon fibre frame into MotoGP but it is currently ‘not the priority’ for Aprilia, the only other manufacturer known to be track-testing the composite technology.
KTM introduced their carbon fibre frame at Misano with test rider Dani Pedrosa before handing it over to their factory riders, Brad Binder and Jack Miller. Aprilia had also experimented with a carbon fibre frame during a private test with Lorenzo Savadori, and later with factory race riders Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vinales at the Misano post-race test. Espargaro described the new frame as lighter and slightly more flexible, although it had some stability issues. Despite this, Espargaro and Vinales continued to use the usual aluminium frame for the remaining races. Aprilia’s carbon fibre project is still in its early stages and is not their current priority. KTM had a higher ranking in the constructors’ standings, but Aprilia had a higher Grand Prix victory tally before Pedrosa’s debut. The last time a carbon fibre chassis was used in MotoGP was by Ducati from 2009-2011.
