WRC Champ Sebastien Loeb Tests the 2011 KTM 1190 RC8 R

French rally driver and seven-time WRC Champion Sebastien Loeb has recently had spent some intimate moment with the new KTM RC8 R on the track, as he is known to be a huge sportsbike enthusiast. Owner of a 2008 KTM RC8, Loeb decided to give 2011 RC8 R - fitted with Michelin tyres and an Akrapovic exhaust system - a chance on the Circuit de la Bresse, in France. After a few fast laps, Loeb declared he was very impressed with the bike.

This pure bred sports-oriented machine is compatible with the FIM Superstock homologation and can therefore be used in official championships.

"The comparison is interesting with the previous RC8 I got here in April 2009. I'm really happy. It is easy to tackle the corners, very agile and corresponds to this path technique. The engine has evolved: power, but also the flexibility of the new twin-cylinder, which provides more reach and less vibration. It feels that the engineers have put a lot of effort since the release of the first RC8," Loeb said.

“I am very pleased with our collaboration and the interest Sebastien has on our models since 2006. It now follows the evolution of our range with our Superbike. At KTM, we have the DNA of the competition and Sebastian is a model, an inspiration. He rolls with the same passion, regardless of the number of wheels. It is a great champion and a great man. Its ease is also notable on two wheels and we are proud to contribute to the popularity of the bike," said Jerome Delziani, KTM’s marketing manager for Southern Europe.

We’ll remind you that the latest KTM 1190 RC8 R comes packing 175 bhp, 127 Nm of torque, 185 kg "ready to race“, and dual-plug ignition. On the other hand, the new KTM 1190 RC8 R Track comes as a race-ready version of the aforementioned model. While the KTM 1190 RC8 R is available at $16,499, the Track version like Howard recently tested retails for $19,999.