Dirk Gruebel on the latest factory KTM star to fulfil their childhood dream
By Team TMX on 5th Nov 20
Red Bull KTM Factory Racings Tom Vialle was crowned 2020 MX2 world champion on Wednesday in Italy after the opening race at the penultimate round of the series.
But the day didn't start off so smoothly for the MX2 red plate holder when he was penalised for apparently stopping on the track during Time Practice. That penalty would relegate him to last position on the start gate.
The limitation did not stop Vialle from using the KTM 250 SX-Fs power to roar into the lead by the second corner of the first moto. From that point Vialle quickly constructed a margin of five seconds and ran away to his 13th race win of the season and from 33 motos. The success confirmed his championship.
In the second sprint with the KTM 250 SX-F wearing a new dedicatory gold livery as well as the #1 plate Vialle suffered a blow on the opening lap when contact with another rider bent his gearshifter under the bike and required a stop in the pitlane for a replacement. He rejoined the moto far behind the pack and could only reach 23rd.
In his title campaign, Vialle has won seven of 17 grands prix and recorded 13 podium finishes. He has led almost double the number of laps compared to his closest pursuer in what is only his second season in the championship.
Vialle continues a rich MX2 history for KTM as the ninth rider to win a championship title in the lower capacity class aboard a KTM 250 SX-F. The 20-year-old has demonstrated incredible talent and maturity in his approach throughout the 18-round championship. In a year of difficulties due to the global pandemic, Vialles strong start to 2020 was halted when MXGP racing was abruptly paused after just two rounds back in early March.
The Frenchman returned for round three in Kegums, Latvia in August to win his second grand prix of the season, ahead of an intense schedule of races in the weeks following. The KTM star battled hard with the MX2 competition, scoring consistently strong results to earn a comfortable lead thanks to his seven grand prix overall victories heading into the final triple-header of the year.
The Frenchmans victory confirms KTMs fifth consecutive title in the category, with 13 championship victories in 17 years of MX2 competition for the Austrian manufacturer.
"Tom showed his potential in his first year with us in 2019," said Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager, Dirk Gruebel.
"There was real progression, but then over the winter he made another big step to be a title contender and world champion. He didnt look back.
"He doesnt get nervous. He had real competition, but Tom finished every race in a good spot, mainly in the top five, mostly in the top three.
"Thats the key to being world champion and now we are here celebrating. Hats off to him and his family, its unbelievable.
"We are known for having a fast 250 also a 450! but I still think we have the benchmark in MX2 for everybody and Tom is another rider who knows how to make starts with it. Its a really good motorcycle and weve been winning since 2004 with that concept. Tom being the ninth world champion shows its quality."
The final race of the season will take place this Sunday, November 8 at the Pietramurata circuit in Arco di Trento for the MXGP of Garda Trentino.
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