Michael Walkner gets GASGAS support for Hard Enduro World Championship
By Press Release on 24th Feb 21
Adding more young talent to their motorsport roster, GASGAS has announced they'll be supporting up-and-coming Austrian enduro racer Michael Walkner as he takes on the 2021 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship.
Already a part of the GASGAS family Michaels day job is as our official test and development enduro rider hell now also join the GASGAS Factory Racing enduro team as an officially supported junior rider.
A seasoned and passionate competitor with international hard enduro experience, Michael will continue in his role as our official test and development rider while also receiving our full support as a GASGAS Factory Racing junior rider.
Setting his sights on becoming one of hard enduros leading riders, in competing in the 2021 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship the 23-year-old will gain valuable experience, while also getting the opportunity to further develop his hard enduro skills. Michael will compete on our EC 300 two-stroke.
With the start of the 2021 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship still some months off, Michael will first compete in the opening two rounds of the Italian Enduro Championship, in March. Using the events to re-familiarise himself within a racing environment, hell also use his time against the stopwatch to work on his speed. The Austrian will then switch his attention to the opening round of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship, scheduled for May 7-9.
Michael Walkner: "This is so exciting for me. I ride GASGAS bikes almost every day so to now be competing for the brand, its a real honour.
"Recently, I had been testing suspension settings together with Andrea Verona the current Enduro1 World Champion which was my first big test in such a professional environment. I learned so much and it was during those few days that I decided I wanted to give racing my best effort.
"I will have a small team, just myself, my family, support from GASGAS and other partners, but it will be great.
"In the past, I had some small successes just with my family behind me, so with support from GASGAS Im excited to see how I can progress.
"To think about the world championship title now would be premature, but it is definitely my long-term goal. For sure, in 2021 its unlikely, but the end goal is to be one of the best riders. I want to give everything and make the most of this opportunity. I cant wait for the first round."
GASGAS Factory Racing Enduro Team Manager Fabio Farioli: "Supporting Michael as an official GASGAS Factory Racing junior rider gives him the backing he needs to compete at the next level.
"We know that he has the talent and drive to improve, he is young and very motivated, and also already has some international racing experience, so were looking forward to watching him progress as the year develops.
"Were not putting any big expectations on Michael, we simply want to help him develop his talent and allow him to take on the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship with the right level of technical support."
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