So, is much-loved team boss Herve Poncharal at all concerned heading into the opening round in Qatar? “It’s true that over one lap, in Indonesia and in Malaysia, the first RC16 clocked in at five-tenths adrift of the fastest rider. That said, a time attack has never been KTM’s forte. The proof is that we have rarely seen a KTM on the front row. On the other hand, Brad has accustomed us to good rises through the field and indeed we have a rather interesting race rhythm. In Mandalika, if you take the average over all the laps, Miguel is third. And from Qatar, our package will be gradually improved by small touches. The goal was not to go for a time. The winter tests are above all there for work. Some want to make an impression. We’re not like that.