Title: “KTM Faces Development Hurdles: Miller Calls for Technical Advancements Amid Constructive Standings Slump

Jack Miller stated that KTM still has progress to make and is currently using their initial version of the carbon fiber chassis. He mentioned that they are working with the original model and have not made any modifications to it yet.

KTM recognizes the need for a technical upgrade to their RC16 motorcycle over the MotoGP summer break, as they haven’t secured a podium finish on Sunday for the last six races and have fallen to third place in the constructors’ standings, behind Ducati and Aprilia.

Motorport director Pit Beirer expressed his concern at the Sachsenring, saying, "I am committed to safeguarding our riders. We've been facing some obstacles recently. It's crucial that during the summer break, we make improvements and provide the riders with superior equipment."

The factory's situation came into focus when Jack Miller's race time in the 2024 German MotoGP for 13th place was one second slower than his time for fifth place in the same 30-lap race in 2023.

In comparison, Ducati's Francesco Bagnaia achieved victory by finishing 12 seconds quicker than his race against Jorge Martin the previous year.

Pedro Acosta, the leading KTM rider in Germany, surpassed Miller's 2023 time by 9.5 seconds to secure seventh place, yet he finished 14.746 seconds behind Bagnaia as they crossed the finish line.

"We must progress further, it's as straightforward as that," stated Miller, who will be replaced by Acosta in 2025, taking his position next to Brad Binder in the factory team.

"Regarding the fundamental aspects, we are at the same level as we were at Misano last year."

This encompasses the advanced carbon fiber frame, which was expedited for deployment at the close of the previous season following Dani Pedrosa's impressive wild-card showing at Misano and an encouraging post-race trial with the official team riders.

"We are still using the initial version of the carbon fiber chassis and haven't made any modifications," Miller stated.

"It seems clear that we need to make adjustments, possibly to the swingarm length, as we have reached the limits at the rear of the bike. Continuous development is definitely necessary."

Similar to many other KTM riders, Miller considers the RC16's engine and aerodynamics to be "powerful."

Miller mentioned that they require slightly better traction and improved handling. He indicated that the speed is satisfactory, and he feels confident about the engine and the aerodynamics package.

“Luckily, we have regained stability at the front and can now comprehend the front end of the bike better.”

"The key is figuring out how to achieve better turning and grip for both the front and rear, allowing us to accelerate quicker, brake later, get on the throttle sooner, and ideally maintain higher speeds through the corners!"

During the German MotoGP, KTM announced that Fabio Sterlacchini will not be extending his contract as the technical director of the company's road racing division.

“Fabiano is an excellent engineer, and undoubtedly, his departure is a setback for them,” commented Miller, who previously collaborated with Sterlacchini at Ducati and has not yet disclosed his future plans.

"He played a crucial role in this project, and it's unfortunate that they weren't able to continue."

"However, it would be more advantageous for me to relocate so that he isn't working against my interests!"

In the 2023 summer break, KTM's top racer Binder was in fourth place in the riders' rankings, having accumulated 114 points across eight races.

This summer, Acosta leads the KTM riders, holding the sixth position with 110 points across nine rounds. Binder follows closely in seventh place with 108 points.

Bagnaia has gained 28 more points compared to this point last season. In the constructors' standings, Ducati has increased by 30 points, Aprilia by 22 points, and KTM by 12 points.

Although they have made some compromises, the Japanese manufacturers have scored fewer points compared to last year. Yamaha is down by 34 points, and Honda, now missing Marc Marquez, is trailing by 64 points.

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