Randy de Puniet and Thomas Luthi have been added to KTM Racing's testing roster ahead of the manufacturer's return to MotoGP in 2017.

Having focused on the feeder 250GP and Moto3 classes in recent years, KTM will step up to the premier class next season with its dubbed RC16 prototype, which has already turned in testing laps in the hands of Mika Kallio and Alex Hofmann.

However, just as the current manufacturers focus their preparations on the upcoming 2016 season, Austrian firm KTM has gone ahead signalled its intentions for next year by announcing two new additions to its testing ranks in de Puniet and Luthi.

Having taken charge of development for Suzuki in preparation for its return to MotoGP last year, de Puniet - without a ride after a dismal single season in World Superbikes - looks set to focus his efforts on the new KTM project, while Luthi will dovetail commitments alongside his Moto2 ride.

The KTM RC16 has tested at both the Red Bull Ring and in Valencia.