Wilvo Forkrent KTM will field an all British lineup in 2016 with double national champion and the UK’s top Grand Prix racer Shaun Simpson joining the set-up alongside Adam Sterry.
Dirt Bike Rider exclusively revealed the news of Simpson joining Steve Turner’s outfit back in October but the popular Scot was unable to speak openly about his new team until now. “When it was clear that Steve really wanted me as part of the team and was gaining even more support from KTM then I knew this was the best direction for me and I started to get excited about what we can do together,” says Simpson.
Simpson, 27 years old from Gauldry, Scotland, will receive direct technical support from KTM factory for the next season as he aims to consolidate his position in the top five in the premier class of the FIM Motocross World Championship as well as his status as a Grand Prix winner.
Unbeaten on UK soil in 2015 Simpson’s services were highly sought-after for the next racing campaign and the agreement with the Belgian and Dutch GP victor is a statement of intent by Wilvo Forkrent KTM and Team Owner Steve Turner.
Simpson will spearhead the team’s campaign in MXGP, while Adam Sterry will step up to the full MX2 Grand Prix class for his maiden term at the highest level.
After progressing in facilities, infrastructure, profile and status in the past four seasons Wilvo Forkrent KTM have now strengthened their bond even further with the prolific Austrian manufacturer and racing department from Mattighofen. Simpson is presently the brand’s top ranking athlete in MXGP having finished in fourth position in the standings; the best finish by a Brit in the blue ribbon category this century.
“Steve really wants to push the team forward and I know people respect and appreciate that,” said Simpson. “I wanted the equipment and the resources to take my riding and results to the next level and I have shown that I am capable with two podium finishes and a win since using the factory bike this year. We are already testing with a view towards 2016 and with all the backing and partners in place I am really optimistic for next year already.”
Turner commented: “I’ve wanted Shaun as part of the team for a couple of years but it just wasn’t possible until now. He is a rider that has become better and faster with every season as he has gained more experience.
“He has proven that he can win and is very consistent. His results in Grands Prix this year have really turned a lot of heads and I was determined to put a deal together which would include factory equipment and am grateful that the factory has shown that they’re as confident in Shaun as I am.
“I’m thrilled we’ve got him for two years and we can build the team around a rider that is very professional, extremely popular and has the ability and determination needed to consolidate and improve further his position in the MXGP standings.”
After valuable race experience in 2015 in the EMX250 European Championship, the domestic series and wild-card outings both in MX2 GPs and MXGP Adam Sterry is primed for his first full FIM World Championship term in 2016. “2015 has been hectic but a big challenge and I have learned a lot about leading races, winning races and being in contention for a Championship,” the youngster commented. “Those GP rides have opened my eyes as to the speed and performance of the top riders and I have a good idea about what I need to do for 2016. I know I can learn more from my new team-mate, Shaun and am looking forward to the big challenge ahead.”
“Adam showed amazing speed at times throughout the season but struggled to deliver the consistency needed to win a Championship. He also learned a lot about how competitive it is in GPs with his wild card rides. He’s already working hard and is 100 per cent focussed on being ready, both physically and mentally for his first full season in MX2 GPs and I’m confident he is going to deliver some great results,” concluded Turner.
