When Tom Lüthi thinks of Brno, he rewinds the clock a few years – to “a real highlight for the KTM crew”. “We all remember it well,” he says. “That was 2020, when Brad Binder claimed his maiden MotoGP victory.” And it wasn’t just a first for the South African – it was also the Austrian manufacturer’s works team’s inaugural win in the premier class.
But KTM has also been “really strong” at the Czech Grand Prix in other years, especially Binder. After finishing tenth in Hungary, Lüthi noted “a slight upward trend” in his performance.
The former MotoGP rider, however, is pinning his hopes primarily on Pedro Acosta – who, at the Balaton Park Circuit, in both the sprint and the Grand Prix, only had to give way to world champion Marc Márquez (Spain/Ducati). “He was really strong and right up there at the front,” said Lüthi.
The expected high temperatures will pose a challenge. “That will, of course, be a challenge for the teams and riders to find a good set-up over the weekend so they can ultimately manage the tyres over the race distance.”
For Lüthi, Brno is “a fantastic circuit – very, very beautiful.” Nestled slightly in the woods, with its elevation changes, it is “absolutely incredible to ride there.” The width of the track also naturally allows for many overtaking manoeuvres.
