BREAKING: Standing Construct Husqvarna to lose factory status in 2023!
Earlier this day, our colleagues from Gatedrop released a remarkable message. Following an Instagram post from the Standing Construct Husqvarna Factory team on Instagram and previous rumors, the editors contacted team owner Tim Mathys. They confirmed that their riders and the team's contracts will not be renewed by Factory Husqvarna.
According to Mathys, the Austrian factory is delighted with the team's performance, but due to the current economic crisis, the Husqvarna management has decided to make cuts. Where possible, current contracts are not extended. Obviously this is a bitter pill for the team that is in the MXGP top 10 with both Brian Bogers and Jonass Pauls. Both drivers also reached the podium this season.
“Of course this comes as a big surprise,” Mathys told GateDrop.com “especially after the results we achieved and a number of meetings in Arco di Trento and Maggiora with Husqvarna officials who praised our work. Since we have worked very hard in recent years to develop and make our own engine blocks, this is a big blow for myself and even more so for my crew. Because of that commitment I can say that we have become one of the strongest teams in the MXGP. Everyone in our group worked really hard to get there.”
This creates a very uncertain situation not only for the team, but also for the drivers. Mathys: “It is also very unpleasant and shocking news for Pauls, who has been under contract with the Austrian brands for 11 years this year. We're told they expect tough times in motorcycle sales. That is why the current expiring contracts will not be extended.” This drastic decision was announced to the team earlier this week. At the moment it is still unclear what the future will bring.
“As far as the future of our team is concerned, I cannot give a concrete answer now,” said Mathys. “I worked hard in everything I undertook. I have invested a lot and put all my passion and energy into getting better and reaching the highest possible level. Now taking a step back to become a private team again in MXGP might not change much in terms of performance for our team. After all, we do everything ourselves in terms of development and the like... Financially too, we are one of the teams that are fortunately doing well with strong partners. But on the other hand, taking a step back does not match my philosophy of life.”
However this turns out to be positive for the MXGP, it is anything but positive. Standing Construct has acquired a strong reputation as a team where drivers often achieve their best results. It seems obvious that this decision is a sign of the times for the state of the teams and the Motocross World Championship itself...
Tekst: Andy McKinstry, Editor
Photos: Full spectrum
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