KTM 2007 MX1/MX2 Line-Up Confirmed

The factory KTM MX1 and MX2 motocross teams will involve a total of four riders, two in each class, for the 2007 FIM World Championship.

Jonathan Barragan will be joined in the MX1 set-up by David Philippaerts while the recently announced Tommy Searle forms part of the MX2 crew and KTM are pleased to declare that Tyla Rattray will remain an MX2 Grand Prix rider for the second term of his two year deal.

The South African had initially been exploring options to race in America or even switch to the MX1 class but finally decided that he has unfinished business on the extremely competitive 250 SX-F.

“I will stay in Europe and ride in MX2 next year,” the twenty year old said. “KTM were keen for me to do it and my loyalty is with them. It will bring our association up to six years. I first came over here because I wanted to win a World Championship and it looks as though I will not be able to do that this year. We will try again next season and I am with one of the best teams and bikes to get the job done.”

Philippaerts has surged through to the front of the MX2 class this season and has merited his works saddle next to Spaniard Barragan, who has impressed with a series of top three results and two overall podiums in his maiden campaign with the factory team.

“I am happy to be going to MX1 with the team,” said the Italian who has claimed 6 moto wins and 4 overall victories in 2006 prior to the Grand Prix of Belgium. “I was pushing Pit a lot to give me an MX1 bike!” Philippaerts will ride the 450 SX-F at Mol for the sixth round of the Belgium Championship On August 15th. “I hope to do a bit of testing with the 450 in Belgium and maybe some other national races,” he added. “MX1 will be exciting next year. Coppins will be fast and people like Ramon, Strijbos and Leok have experience in the class whereas for those like myself, Pourcel and Mackenzie it will be our first season in MX1. It will be tough but I am already looking forward to it.”

“It is great that Tyla has chosen to stay in MX2,” commented KTM Head of Motorsport Pit Beirer. “Moving to the AMA would have made our American team stronger but we are delighted he will form a part of the MX2 World Championship effort alongside Tommy because he is one of the top riders in the category.”

“Our strategy for 2007 is to focus on two-man factory teams in MX1 and MX2 because we have learned our lesson from having too many riders,” he continued. “We want to give better and more support to our four motocross competitors and a smaller set-up allows this.”

“When Stefan will retire this year the new generation will start in MX1 and we have two of the best young guys. Youth is the theme throughout both teams. Jonathan has done a much better job this year than we expected and David has performed very well in MX2. Under pressure he does not make any mistakes and he is ready to fight until the last minute which you do not see so much.”

“We are pleased with the line-ups we have so far for MX1 and MX2 and hope to finalise MX3 and give some details about the rest of the team structure shortly,” he concluded.