Brad Binder rockets past rivals to claim pole position and KTM surges toward a title-chasing win in the 2023 MotoGP showdown!
Photo by Gold & Goose Photography/Getty Images KTM have decided to take a “less is more” approach with their 850cc engine, according to Heinz Kinigadner, following a private test of their 2027 MotoGP bike at Jerez this week. KTM joined Yamaha and Aprilia at Jerez for a three-day test, refining their 1,000cc machines for the 2026 MotoGP season and preparing for 2027 regulatory changes. Ducati also joined the private test late with their 850cc bike, as MotoGP is switching to 850cc engines and stricter aerodynamics in 2027 for safety.
Brad Binder should back KTM’s move to prioritise balance over power in 2027 Photo by Gold & Goose Photography/Getty Images As development continues, lap times with the new 850cc machines are expected to move closer to what was possible in the previous era. According to MOW, KTM plan to stick with a philosophy they introduced this year: reducing top speed in favour of better overall performance. KTM made that trade-off for the RC16 this season, trading outright speed for improved cornering and tyre management.
The team believes the changes have led to better handling and more consistent performance across race distances. Kinigadner has reportedly said that KTM will maintain a “less is more” approach heading into 2027. Early feedback from Jerez testing suggests their new engine is about 30 horsepower down compared to their current setup.
Barring any major surprises, Brad Binder and Maverick Vinales will likely be KTM’s riders when the new regulations come into play. Both should welcome the news, especially after Binder and Pedro Acosta showed at the Thailand Grand Prix that sacrificing raw top-end speed can pay off under race conditions. Brad Binder likely to switch to Tech3 for 2027 MotoGP season Acosta took the Sprint win and finished second in the Grand Prix, leaving Buriram on top of the riders’ championship.
Binder also put in solid results, finishing sixth in the Sprint and seventh in the main race, where Aprilia looked strong. KTM’s decision to continue their “less is more” approach for 2027 should suit both Binder and Vinales. With Acosta set to join Ducati, reports suggest Vinales has already been told he will step into KTM’s factory team next year after standing out with Tech3 this season.