MotoGP: KTM Unveils Its MotoGP Challenger, The RC16

The KTM RC16 in full Red Bull livery is an eye candy and was presented to the public by both Smith and Espargaro. The Austrian marque entered the grand Prix in 2003 in the former 125cc two-stroke era.

Now, KTM is stepping up to the premier class to challenge Honda, Yamaha, Ducati, Suzuki and Aprilia. The factory racing team have won races in both 125cc and 250cc category but it took the first title in the four-stroke Moto3 era in 2012.

The official confirmation from the Austrian marque to enter MotoGP was announced in September 2014 and KTM's test rider Mika Kallio also participated in the last round of 2016 season in Valencia.

Both the new recruits had their first taste of the KTM machine after the 2016 Valencia round. The riders were able to adapt with machine and made rapid progress in the first two pre-season tests of 2017.

Speaking at the event, Espargaro said, "Right now it's wild - a little bit too wild - but actually it feels really good. We are making huge steps forward and we are improving every time we jump on the bike."

Espargaro's teammate Smith added, "Both me and Pol and all the KTM team will be working extremely hard. We've been busy in these winter tests, and the work won't stop just yet. It's just the beginning."