MX: Red Bull KTM confirms 2010 line-up

HM Plant Red Bull KTM UK has announced its line-up for next season’s FIM MX World Championship.

Winners of the British MX2 title this season, the team will continue to run programmes in both the domestic series and the world championship. They will also expand to compete in the Women’s World Championship for the first time, signing hot prospect Nathalie Kane to lead their title assault.

Kane finished third in the Women’s World Championship last season, scoring four podium finishes riding for Suzuki. She is tipped to be among the title contenders next year.

Red Bull KTM’s men’s championship assault will be led by Jake Nicholls, who stays with the team having finished 17th in the overall World MX2 standings this year and second in the UK championship. The 19-year-old will be joined by fellow youngster Graeme Irwin. The Northern Irishman represented his country at the recent Motocross of Nations in Italy and will be stepping up for a full International season for the first time.

“We had a good season in 2009,” said Team Principal Roger Magee. “We had a successful defence of the MX2 British Championship and also the pleasure of watching Jake mature at the GPs with a number of top ten results, setting personal best finishes and ending the year as top Brit in the world championship with 17th place.

“Jake will be moving to Belgium to train and prepare for 2010 and we are confident he can step up a level which means we will again be looking for podium results. Graeme has been doing well in the UK and had a few international appearances in 2009. He will face a big challenge as a full-time Grand Prix rider next year but we hope he can learn and progress.

“I would also like to welcome Natalie to the team. This is quite a big signing for us as she is the fastest lady from the UK and Ireland and could be a real threat for the championship in 2010.”

Watch part one of the FIM MX World Championship ’09 season review on Motors TV (Sky Channel 413, Virgin Media 545) on Saturday at 7.15pm.


Andy Wilkinson