Multiple alpine World Cup ski champion Marcel Hirscher switched two skis for two wheels to make his motorcycle debut at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg onboard a MotoGP Red Bull KTM RC-16.

Hirscher was put through his paces by former world championship racer turned instructor Gustl Auinger, who talked about the complexities of the powerful machinery at the Austrian’s disposal.

The Austrian is an accomplished enduro rider, pursuing that passion in the off-season. But the idea that gave him a head start for his Red Bull Ring ride was dispelled by his instructor.

Auinger said: “These are two completely different worlds. Marcel has never made a turn with his knee on the asphalt. No one can just sit on a MotoGP bike and ride a bit.

“He is gifted, ambitious and very intelligent. That’s a good mix. The most important thing is mutual trust and the knowledge that you can rely on each other.”

For Hirscher, the ride out was the realisation of a long dream. He added: “Others have the desire to sit in a Formula 1 car but, for me, that was definitely MotoGP. I am one of the few on the planet who are allowed to ride such a motorcycle.”