MotoGP: Honda Crew Chief Mike Leitner Joins KTM

Dani Pedrosa's long time crew Chief, Mike Leitner has joined Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM to develop future MotoGP bikes.

Leitner led the Repsol Honda crew for nine years. Under him, Honda won two titles in the 250cc class and 41 GPs. Honda was also the runner-up in MotoGP in 2007, 2010 and 2012.

Mike Leitner, speaking about his switch said, "It will be an exciting and interesting challenge, as we're starting from scratch. It is nice to see an Austrian company and an owner like Stefan Pierer to start such a great project. There is not much happening from other factories in the German speaking part of the world. I like challenges and I am happy to be part of it."

Pit Beirer, KTMs head of motorsports said, "Mike will work closely with Sebastian Risse, who is Head of KTM's Onroad technical race department. Mike now is the guy at KTM with the most MotoGP on-track experience. He will assist building up a test team and help us to find the right people in the paddock."

A team of over 20 technicians are working hard on KTMs new motorcycle, the RC16. The motorcycle will feature steel trellis frame, V4 pneumatic-valve engine, seamless transmission and WP suspension. Straddling the motorcycle as a test rider will be Alex Hofmann, former MotoGP rider.