After eight years as part of the Red Bull KTM team, British fan favourite Jonny Walker has split from the Austrian factory by ‘mutual agreement’.
The 29-year-old joined the team in 2012 and immediately made an impact by winning that year’s Ezrbergrodeo and then doubling up in 2013. During his time with the team Walker also won The Tough One, Red Bull Romaniacs, Red Bull Hare Scramble, Hell’s Gate and Red Bull 111 Megawatt.
‘Due to re-structuring within the team,’ reads a statement from KTM, ‘linked to changes that have been made to the enduro programme over the past few seasons, KTM has been unable to retain Jonny’s services for 2021.
‘KTM would like to thank Jonny for everything he has achieved together with KTM and the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team over the years, including his extreme enduro and FIM SuperEnduro World Championship successes. KTM wishes Jonny all the best for his future.’
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager Fabio Farioli paid tribute to Walker.
“Firstly, we’d like to say a big thank you to Jonny for everything he has achieved with KTM Factory Racing,” he said. “We had some good times over the years and some incredible results – including wins at some of the toughest events on the hard enduro calendar as well as in the SuperEnduro World Championship.
“He has been an important part of our team and has been integral to our ongoing success. Despite our best efforts we were unable to negotiate a deal to keep Jonny on the team. We wish him all the very best for the future.”
