As Wilvo Forkrent KTM continues its progression within the MXGP paddock, the World Championship team has announced today a new signing for 2015.
Back in early September we exclusively reported on strong rumours linking Steven Frossard to a KTM ride with Wilvo Forkrent. It is now confirmed by the team that Frossard has signed with Steve Turner’s crew alongside Jake Nicholls for next year’s MXGP campaign.
After finishing fifth in the 2014 World Championship, Frossard rounded off his season in style with two great rides at the MXoN to help his French team take the title. Now #183 will launch his assault on the MXGP Championship on orange machinery after agreeing terms with the British outfit.
“I am pretty happy with my 2014 season. My goal was to take part in the most GPs possible and score some strong results; which I did,” said Frossard. “Winning the Nations on top was a great feeling. Only a few people have bet on me for next year and Steve Turner is one of them. I will give it my best and prove that with a unified team we can overshadow the factory teams.”
Frossard will partner 24-year-old British rider Jake Nicholls in a two-pronged attack for the KTM-backed team. Nicholls, who had an injury-blighted year in his rookie season in MXGP, is now back on his bike and determined to make amends in 2015.
“I’m really pleased to be onboard again with Steve and the Wilvo Forkrent KTM team for 2015,” said Nicholls. “I felt so cut short this year after getting injured in July and missing the rest of the season. I had gelled well with everybody and we were making real progress, so it’s great to have another season ahead to carry on from where we left off. The team is already working hard for next year and we are well ahead of schedule with the bike which is a great position to be in.”
Also staying with the team is young British star Adam Sterry who has recently put pen to paper after agreeing a two year deal. The youngster consistently impressed throughout the 2014 season finishing third in the MX2 British Championship and taking three European MX250 podiums on his way to finishing third overall. Sterry will contest the same two Championships in 2015 before stepping up to MX2 GPs in 2016.
“I had a great season and made a lot of progress this year,” said Sterry. “I am really happy to stay with Steve and the team. I’ve already tested next year’s spec bike and it’s awesome. I’ve got another couple of weeks off and then I will be hard at it again in preparation for next season.”
Team Manager, Steve Turner commented: “We have a quality line-up for next season and there is a buzz about the team in anticipation of what might be. Having a rider of the caliber of Steven is a big step for us. It puts more pressure on us as a team to perform at an even higher level and we’re certainly up for the challenge. Jake is looking forward to spending time with his new team-mate, who instead of seeing as a threat, sees as someone he can learn from as he continues his development in the MXGP ranks. With Adam completing the line-up, I feel we have a great mix of youth and experience within the team and I am obviously pretty excited about the forthcoming year.”
