Tech3 KTM’s Danilo Petrucci is hoping he will receive the same frame upgrade at Catalunya that the factory team received last weekend which might not only save his race but also his job.

The big Italian has struggled on the 2021 RC-16 all season but the new frame worked wonders at Mugello as Miguel Oliveira stood on the podium and Brad Binder rolled across the line in fifth.

“Montmeló is not very easy and it’s probably going to be tough again. We know, we need to work a lot and maybe we’ll get an update from KTM,” said Petrucci.

“But anyway, we also have to perform better with what we have. We already made some positive steps in Mugello and I hope we can continue this way this weekend.”

Team boss Herve Poncharal added: “After the great improvements seen by all four factory KTMs in Mugello for sure the Tech3 KTM Factory Racing team is going to Catalunya with full confidence after the good team result we achieved in Mugello. This is a track, where I believe our bike should also be quite competitive.

“The long straight will help us to show how strong the KTM engine is. Last year we were quite competitive there. Our main issue has been the cold temperatures, which didn’t allow us to use the tyre we felt good on, but I don’t think we will face the same this year. So, we are moving to Montmeló with high spirits.”