After Brad Binder’s (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) stunning Czech GP victory, KTM could be set to lose their concessions in Austria with Pol Espargaro on form. But what will they be losing, and how do the concessions work? Here’s a brief recap.
First of all, concessions are aimed at any new manufacturer who has joined MotoGP™ since 2013 and those who have not obtained a victory during this period. The riders benefit from nine engines, which they can upgrade throughout the season. They also have the opportunity to test at any time at a track of their choice, and also have the option to have six wildcards throughout the year.
However, to keep concessions, a manufacturer can’t score more than six concession points over a period of two years. If they don’t, after the two years, the points are reset to zero. The points are as follows: three points for a win, two for a second, and one for a third.
When six points are achieved, the right to testing on unlimited days is immediately wiped out. Brad Binder, Pol Espargaro, Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Tech3) and his teammate Iker Lecuona won’t be able to test when they want – like they did on Monday in Czechia. The right for test riders such as Dani Pedrosa won’t be able to test at any GP circuit from the following year, KTM would have to choose three venues for the test riders to test on.
In addition, the engine allocation for the following year is cut from nine to seven, the engine approval regulations will be cancelled for the following season and the number of wildcards allowed is halved to three from six.
KTM currently sit on four after Binder’s win and Espargaro’s 2018 Valencia GP podium. So, a P1 or P2 finish at the Red Bull Ring would see KTM lose their concessions – and that’s looking entirely possible.