Rene Hofer for KTM until 2022!
KTM doesn't waste any time on it. The first two GPs were enough to offer super talent Rene Hofer a two-year contract extension. The 18-year-old Austrian will therefore also ride for Red Bull KTM in the MX2021 World Championship in 2022 and 2.
Hofer was appointed factory rider for 2020, after achieving great results in the EMX125 and EM250. Rene impressed with his maturity, work ethic and strong mentality and continued his momentum in his rookie MX2 GP season. Despite the short season, Hofer was already good for two top five finishes in four heats.
So far, the Red Bull athlete has certainly lived up to expectations. For KTM it is yet another strong move to bend the MX2 to their will. Over the past 16 years, the world title has gone to KTM no fewer than 12 times. The Austrians have been stringing together successes since 2008, with the exception of 2015. Eight different riders took number one with a KTM 250 SX-F.
Hofer's teammate Tom Vialle also started strongly this season, after all, the Frenchman is the current World Cup leader. Hofer is the first Austrian to ride for Red Bull KTM in the Motocross World Championship since Robert Jonas around the turn of the century.
Rene Hofer: “I have been with KTM for about ten years now and every time I come to the company I feel like I am in the right place. It's only my first year with the factory team, but it already feels like home and it's a pleasure to work together and achieve our goals together. All I can say is that I'm super excited about what the next two years will bring and I'm going to love every minute of it! For my part, I will of course do my utmost and I know everyone in the team will do the same. The collaboration with an Austrian brand will hopefully also have a positive effect on Austrian motorsport. I am very grateful for this opportunity to live my dream, but I cannot forget to thank everyone who helped me get here. First and foremost, of course, my family.”
Robert Jonas, VP Offroad KTM: “Rene was closely monitored in the factory team, but we were pleased to see how he responded to winter training and preparation. How he immediately adapted to the speed in the MX2 was also very positive. He already rode a few good wildcard GPs in 2019, so he could see a bit of what lay ahead for 2020. He picked that up well to take the next step as a factory driver. His career continues to evolve and we are excited to continue that journey together. Hopefully the FIM World Championship can restart soon and both Rene and Tom (ed. Vialle) can continue to learn and develop.”
Photos: KTM, Ray Archer, Red Bull Content Pool/Samo Vidic
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