MotoGP: Husqvarna To Enter Moto3 Championship In 2014
Cycle News Staff | November 22, 2013
Husqvarna Motorcycles will field a team in the 2014 Moto3 World Championship with Brit Danny Kent set to be the squad’s official rider. He will be joined on the team by young Finn Niklas Ajo.
The team will run under the banner of Red Bull Husqvarna Factory Racing and will be run by team manager Aki Ayo. Although the release that introduces the team doesn’t mention it, it’s likely that the team will use re-branded KTMs in the series. KTM owns Husqvarna after acquiring the company earlier this year.
Kent was originally slated to ride in the Red Bull KTM Ajo team with Jack Miller and Karel Hanika.
“Running Husqvarna in the Moto3 World Championship will bring considerable interest to both the category and the brand,” said Stefan Pierer, the CEO of KTM. “With its history of 110 years, the Husqvarna brand is highly known throughout the world of racing. The Moto3 stage will give a further boost to grow Husqvarna stronger than ever. We’re looking forward to see great competition next year. ”
Pit Beirer, head of Husqvarna Motorsport, concurred.
“After our strong commitment to off-road competition, entering the Moto3 World Championship is a new milestone in the history of Husqvarna. With the full support of Mr. Pierer and the Husqvarna Motorcycles Board of Directors, we are extremely excited about this new project. We will bring the best people and all the necessary energies together to give the project the success it deserves. Danny Kent will be our official factory rider, with Niklas Ajo our official support rider. Both hugely talented young racers, we are looking forward to the start of Husqvarna’s new journey into Grand Prix Road Racing.”
