Pol Espargaro to join KTM MotoGP
KTM Factory Racing has announced that 24-year-old Spanish rider and former World Champion Pol Espargaro will race for the Austrian based MotoGP factory team in 2017/2018.
Pol Espargaro, who took the crown in the Moto2 World Championship at the age of just 22, first raced in the World Championship in 2006 in the 125cc class.
His outstanding road racing GP debut went into the record books, as Pol is the youngest rider ever to collect points in the world championship.
The “boy” from Catalunya has gone on to have an impressive and successful career. He achieved overall 15 GP wins and topped the podium at the prestigious Suzuka 8 hours last season. Like his future teammate Bradley Smith he has also accrued valuable experience in the premiere MotoGP class since 2014.
Pit Beirer (KTM Motorsport Director)
“We’re more than happy that we’re now able to sign Pol Espargaro as a young rider of form and with MotoGP experience for this dynamic project. Both Pol and Bradley are well suited to KTM. Also in Mika Kallio we have an extremely motivated and competent test rider within the structure. We can grow together and continue to develop in all aspects. Now we hope for good conditions for the further tests and extend wishes to everyone for a successful rest of the season 2016.”
The newly formed KTM MotoGP Factory Racing team has already conducted four successful tests this year in Jerez, Valencia, Brno and Misano. Now, with the acquisition of both Pol Espargaro and Bradley Smith as riders, and Mika Kallio as the permanent test rider, the team is complete.
