Luthi and De Puniet join KTM for RC16 testing duties

Former 125GP world champion Thomas Luthi and MotoGP podium finisher Randy De Puniet will join Mika Kallio and Alex Hoffman as part of the testing team for KTM’s new RC16 MotoGP machine, set to debut in 2017.

The duo will join Kallio and Hoffman, who have been involved with the project since it’s inception, for a selected number of tests on the new bike, which will make it’s public track debut at the inaugural Red Bull Ring round of the championship in KTM’s home country of Austria in August.

Tipped by many in the paddock as one of the machines to watch next season, including by Britain’s own Bradley Smith, the Austrian manufacturer will be looking to replicate the success this season of Suzuki, who made a strong return to the series with Maverick Vinales and Aleix Espargaro.

And while the bike is currently scheduled to join MotoGP next season, there remains a rumour that it could make an appearance in the final race of 2016 at Valencia as a wildcard.