KTM introduces factory team at Faenza

By Infront Moto Racing on 27th Mar 09

Motocross

FAENZA (ITALY), 27 March 2009 At the start of the World Motocross Championship in Faenza KTM introduced its factory team Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, including Max Nagl (MX1), Shaun Simpson (MX2) and Rui Goncalves (MX2), and other factory MX1 rider Jonathan Barragan (Team Silver Action).

Austrianmanufacturer KTM looks forward to a great 2009 campaign after winning lastyear's MX2 World Title with Tyla Rattray and the last MX1 GP in Faenza with MaxNagl. Faenza is actually the track where both KTM's Off Road Director Pit Beirerand Red Bull KTM Factory Racing's Team Manager Stefan Everts debuted asprofessional GP riders.

GermanNagl looks forward to taking more wins after his maiden one from Faenza.Unfortunately a winter right hand injury left his mark on the 21 year old whowill start this Championship in pain as the bone in his hand is not yetadjusted.

SpaniardJonathan Barragan will complete the factory KTM line up in the MX1 class. The GPwinner from Madrid rides for the Silver Action team and finished a brilliantfourth in 2008.

TheMX2 class is where KTM will try to defend last year's riders and manufacturerstitles; this ambitious goal is in the hands of Shaun Simpson and RuiGoncalves.

ScottishSimpson is at his first year with the team after a solid 2008 with KTM UK,clinching his maiden podium finishes. The youngster starred in a great preseason winning several events and confirming the good work he and the squad didalready.

Othermajor MX2 player Goncalves changed his winter preparation by spending two monthsin South Africa with Russell White, Rattray's trainer last year. The Portuguesehas already a great feeling with the new bike and is ready for a strongseason.

TheKTM collective is enhanced by the presence of the KTM Factory Junior MX2 teamheaded by Jacky Martens. The team includes new talents such as Joel Roelants, onthe podium last year at Faenza, Jeremy Van Horebeek, Valentin Teillet, the 2008EMX2 European Championship. Other KTM junior rider Jeffrey Herlings will racethe EMX2 series as he is just 14 years old, though the team's plans foresee hisparticipation in selected GP's as a wild card rider.

The2009 bikes see major improvements to the chassis and engine. The bikes' look hasalso changed, with more orange than before. The classic KTM color is alsovisible on the chassis.

Toknow more about KTM and its factory team go online to www.ktm.com.

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