The Red Bull KTM Ajo team and Iker Lecuona are set to join forces for the next two seasons in the Moto2™ World Championship. KTM and Ajo Motorsport have chosen the 19-year-old to replace Brad Binder in the intermediate class, as the South African steps up to compete for the Austrian manufacturer in MotoGP™ next season. The move will see Lecuona ride alongside the reigning Moto3™ World Champion Jorge Martin in the intermediate category in 2020.
Lecuona, who made his World Championship debut midway through 2016, has three years of experience in the Moto2™ class. Last season the Spaniard achieved his first podium in the World Championship, finishing second at the Valencia Grand Prix. In 2019, Lecuona sits 16th in the standings with 27 points, having completed the first half of the season.
NEWS ‼️ I'm really happy to sign up with @RedBull_KTM_Ajo for the next two seasons. We will give the 100 % as always, as well as in this second part of the season with my current team, @AmericanTeamKTM, to whom I am very grateful for the opportunity they have given me ???????? pic.twitter.com/w3lAo0KwvC
— Iker Lecuona (@LecuonaIker) August 1, 2019
Pit Beirer - KTM Motorsport Director: “It’s great news for us that we can attract another young rider like Iker with such potential and, again, it is a testament to Aki and his team that racers are hungry to be part of the structure we are building in MotoGP. We’ve had some fast talents through Moto2 in the last few years and we’re hopeful Iker can be part of that story.”
Aki Ajo - Team Manager: “We are happy to announce this new agreement between KTM, Ajo Motorsport and Iker Lecuona. It’s great to be able to work with a rider with whom we have previous experiences, as we know his personality, his ethic and his riding style. Without a doubt, that’s a very positive point. Also, I’m really impressed by Iker’s development since he came into the World Championship. He’s learned the working methods required at this level and above all he has grown as a rider. His latest performances show that he’s gained a lot of experience and that he is now one of the leading riders in the Moto2 category.”
Iker Lecuona: “I’m really happy to have signed with Red Bull KTM Ajo. I think it is a great step for me and I’ve always wanted to be part of an official team and one with these possibilities. I’ll be giving 100% to make the most of it in the World Championship.”