Husqvarna back in world motocross
Two factory-backed teams in the MXGP and MX2 world championships, as the brand – now owned by KTM – makes a return to its historical rootsHusqvarna will make a return to top-level motocross in 2014, fielding two factory-backed teams -- one in the MXGP class and one in the MX2 class – in the world championship. Each team will feature two riders.
For the KTMN-owned Husqvarna, the decision to return to the Motocross World Championship was an easy one to make. Dominating the golden era of motocross between 1960 and 1970, the then Swedish manufacturer collected countless race wins and titles with legendary riders such as Torsten Hallman, Rolf Tibblin, Bengt Aberg, Malcolm Smith and Heikki Mikkola.
Husqvarna will be represented by ICE1 Racing in MXGP (the renamed MX1 class), and by Wilvo Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing in MX2 run by Jacky Martens, a former world champion with Husqvarna.
“The decision to work with ICE1 Racing and the Jacky Martens’ racing team was simple,” confirms Pit Beirer, KTM’s Director of Motorsport. “Both are already proven as two of the most professional and driven outfits in the race paddock. With their input it’s clear that Husqvarna will be back racing in a very serious and concerted manner, ensuring future champions will be added to the list of greats like Hallman, Smith and Mikkola.”
“This is a special moment for me,” said Martens. “I am excited to begin this new era with Husqvarna – the very brand I became a world champion with. As always we will try our utmost to achieve the best possible results.”
Husqvarna’s last world motocross title came in 1999 when Italian Alessio Chiodi won the 125cc title.
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