Red Bull KTM Factory Racing test rider Mika Kallio crashed in the German GP and damaged his knee, with serious surgery needed and a longer period of recovery expected after the incident. That leaves Austrian factory KTM without a test rider, and it has been announced that veteran Frenchman Randy de Puniet will be stepping into the role for what remains of 2018.
NEWS @RandydePuniet14 #KTM @MotoGP Test Rider for 2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣8️⃣
— KTM Factory Racing (@KTM_Racing) 12 August 2018
„First I wish #MikaKallio a quick recovery. I‘m happy to come back after almost 2 years & help the team now to further develop the #RC16.“#KTM #READYTORACE #OrangeFamily #MotoGP2018
???? @SebasRomeroBCN pic.twitter.com/mOOhnYuYzA
De Puniet, a former premier class podium finisher, was also involved in the project in its infancy.