All Brits for KTM squad
By TMX Archives on 18th Jan 13
HM Plant and KTM UK will fly the flag this year as they field an all-British team in every major British and FIM MX2 series.
James Dunn is promoted to the GPs alongside Elliott Banks-Browne, brothers Ben and Nathan Watson teaming up in the European EMX2 series, and Natalie Kane again going for glory in the World Ladies Championship.
Team principal, Roger Magee, spoke enthusiastically about his 2013 line-up:
"After much thought we have decided that James Dunn is ready to move into the GPs and he will race a full season in MX2 GPs, including the first two rounds in Qatar and Thailand, alongside Elliott.
"Ben and Nathan Watson return to the team this year and will both compete in the EMX250 while Natalie, the first Irish motorcyclist ever to win an FIM off-road medal, is again racing for us in WMX.”
Dunn (18) from Swindon was over the moon at his promotion: "After scoring my first victories in the European 125cc series last summer,
I had initially expected to race EMX2 this year, but Roger, HM Plant and KTM UK have given me the opportunity to move straight to the GPs.
I'd like to say a big thankyou to them all for their support and I hope I can repay their confidence.
"I know it will be tough, but I look forward to the challenge. I think it has been shown in recent years that racing with the best can only help young riders to advance.”
Elliott Banks-Browne – he'll be 23 next month – will again lead the team in what will be his final MX2 GP campaign, due to the age-limitation rule, and will enter the series full of confidence after running podium pace through the final GPs of 2012.
‘EBB' was unfortunately a non-starter at the O2 Arenacross after landing on his shoulder last month, but should be back to 100% fitness before the GP opener in March.
For Ben and Nathan Watson the coming season sees them return to the team with which they achieved their greatest success in the youth ranks.
And both will go for glory in European MX2 as well as the Maxxis.
After finishing a strong runner-up last term Natalie Kane will once again go for world glory in the WMX series in which the Ulster girl was the most serious challenger to champion Chiara Fontanesi throughout the 2012 campaign.
