With 1.5 years of absence the MotoGP World Championship will be finally back at the Circuit of the Americas this weekend, which means new territory for Iker Lecuona and Danilo Petrucci aboard their KTM RC16 machines. Following an unlucky end at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, but a productive test at the same venue, the Spanish youngster can’t wait to discover the unique place with his MotoGP bike.

Likewise, Petrucci, who ended up 16th in the Gran Premio di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini, impatiently awaits the return of the entire circus to the Texan track. The Italian eyes to score points again this weekend, which will kick off with Free Practice one on Friday at 9.55 local time (16.55 CET).

Iker Lecuona

Championship: 18^th

Points: 38

"It was a long time, we didn’t go to Austin. I remember from 2019, that there have been a lot of bumps, so it wasn’t easy to ride. It will also be the first time for me to ride the MotoGP bike there. From what I learned in MotoGP so far is, that the circuit changes completely when I ride the big machine, so my first target on Friday is to learn the track really quick and try to fight for the top positions. Obviously, we have to wait how the weather and the asphalt conditions will be."

Danilo Petrucci

Championship: 19^th

Points: 37

"Austin is always a quite difficult track, but last year we didn’t have the chance to go there. So, I would like to see how the situation will be aboard my KTM. There is along straight, which will be pretty sure not the best for us, but there are plenty of interesting corners as well, so maybe we can be fast. The target is to score some points, because in Misano we fought a lot, but without the reward. Therefore, I really hope we can do it in America this weekend."

Hervé Poncharal

Team Manager

"The next round for the Tech3 KTM Factory Racing Team is Texas. A place, I believe the whole paddock likes a lot and a place we haven’t been for quite a while, because I think the last time was spring 2019. This is great to be able to have a race outside of Europe. We know how difficult it is for the promoter to realize that and we are very happy and proud to have a race in USA, which means a lot for all of us. We know how important the US market is for the motorcycle manufacturers and the sponsors, so this is a great news.”

“It’s very difficult to predict anything regarding our performance there, because we haven’t been at COTA for quite a while. Our machine, the KTM RC16 has improved such a lot since then. It’s going to be very interesting as it feels like arriving at a brand-new track. I believe our two riders like the layout quite a lot and following the test in Misano, that was quite fruitful, I think we can start on a good foot in Friday morning’s FP1. It will be weird and fun to be in the overseas paddock and we just can’t wait to start the race weekend there!"