KTM Confirms Moto3 Entry for 2012

Back in 2008, the Austrians at KTM were announcing their withdrawal from the 250cc MotoGP class. A year later, the same announcement was made, this time concerning the 125 GP. All that KTM had left was its supported program, the Red Bull Rookies Cup.

But now all that’s about to change, as the Austrians have just announced they will make a return to the MotoGP paddock next season in the Moto3 class and it has also teamed up with chassis designers Kalex to make another bike for the 125cc replacement series.

“KTM is pleased to announce that its program for re-entering MotoGP in the new Moto3 class is on schedule and a new partnership with Kalex Engineering of Germany has been formed,” KTM said.

An official statement from the company reveals that a Moto3 racing machine is currently being developed in-house by a KTM engineering team led by Wolfgang Felber,

The aspect yet to be finalized regarding KTM’s return to full scale international road racing is what teams and which riders will be at the handlebars of the 250 cc single cylinder four-stroke KTM and Kalex-KTM racing machines.

"We approach our entry into the Moto3 class with confidence. Our own plans are right on schedule for a racing bike completely developed in Mattighofen, while at the same time we have also found the best possible partner, who will present our engine at a very high and professional level," said KTM's head of motorsport Pit Beirer.

"Kalex Engineering is well positioned for this in every way and just like KTM is highly motivated to develop a bike capable of winning in the new Moto3 category.”