KTM may be leaving 125cc GP racing, but they will continue to support the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup (pictured above).
is yet another factory road race team affected by the world’s economy. Already reducing their effort for 2009 by eliminating its 250cc Grand Prix team, the Austrian company will withdraw its 125cc Grand Prix effort at the conclusion of this season.
“Despite this clear commitment to racing on asphalt, Europe’s second-biggest motorcycle manufacturer at the same time announces that it is withdrawing from the 125 cc Grand Prix World Championship,” KTM announced in a press release issued today.
Thankfully though, KTM are committed to continuing with the successful Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup.
“Next season, KTM will continue to place a main focus on its supported program, the Red Bull Rookies Cup, in the context of the MotoGP-World Championship in which the most talented young riders’ race perfectly prepared KTM 125cc production motorcycles at international level to help launch their professional racing careers,” the release continued. “Red Bull together with KTM has created the ideal infrastructure to continue this youth development program at the highest level.”
KTM will also expand its national series youth support for 2010, as well as racing its production-based RC8 sportbike in the German Motorcycle Championship.
“In addition, in the 2010 season, KTM also wants to support especially selected racing teams in Germany and Austria (IDM Germany) with all of its energy and to make 125 cc racing machines available to engaged, talented young riders. In keeping with its “Ready to Race” philosophy, KTM will also strengthen its racing activity with the RC8 R, the Superbike flagship of the asphalt model range. Therefore KTM will be “Ready to Race” and present in the official Superbike and Superstock championships in competitions like the IDM (International German Motorcycle Championships).”
