CFMOTO Racing Prüstel GP with a new driver team in 2023
After a successful start in the Moto3™ world championship, the popular Chinese motorcycle and quad manufacturer CFMOTO will begin its second season in 2023. After half a season of forming a racing team with PrüstelGP, the following can be noted at results: A podium, numerous summit finishes and two fast drivers in 9th and 12th place in the general classification.
Already during the pre-season tests, CFMOTO debuted as a newcomer in the Moto3™ World Championship with good results. Thus, the team was already able to take its first place on the podium at the third race in Indonesia, and thus exceeded the expectations set in advance.
With the two Spanish pilots #99 Carlos Tatay and #43 Xavier Artigas, the sporting director and former 125cc world champion Tom Luthi and the team boss Florian Prüstel, a quick and competitive training course was created.
With CFMOTO's technical know-how, the team aims to continually develop, innovate and push sports results.
But it's not just on the racetrack that CFMOTO motorcycles deliver impressive performance; the popular motorcycle brand is also strengthening its position on roads around the world. An attractive and versatile range of models is offered, from stylishly designed super sports cars to retro motorcycles and big touring enduros.
Progress is also marked by change. So, for 2023, the team will start the season with a new driver duo. In addition to Spanish #43 Xavier Artigas, already known, the team will start the new season with Australian #66 Joel Kelso.
Kelso, who has already made several Moto3™ starts as a guest rider in 2021, is currently spending his first season as a regular rider and will do so under the CFMOTO banner in 2023.
The 19-year-old Australian moved to Europe at the age of 15, first to Italy, then to Spain, Mallorca, and is now following his dream of becoming a professional pilot. Kelso moved from the Italian CIV Championship to the Spanish CEV Championship and, with 3 wins, took a strong 4th place overall in the Moto3™ Junior World Championship last year.
CFMOTO 2023 factory riders Xavier Artigas et Joel Kelso have big plans and, together with the team, they want to constantly race for the first places.
#43 Xavier Artigas : " I am very happy to be with CFMOTO Racing PrüstelGP in the future. I feel very comfortable here and I'm sure I will be better next year, although I give myself a lot. But first, I have to finish the season in the best way possible to start next year at full speed. The objective is to be at the head of the peloton in all sessions and to constantly fight in the leading group. With the experience I was able to gain during my first year with CFMOTO, it is important to take bigger steps. Finally, thank you to CFMOTO and PrüstelGP for the trust and thank you to all my supporters and fans! »
#66 Joel Kelso : " First of all, I'm really excited about this new project for next year, being part of the team and racing for CFMOTO Racing PrüstelGP. Honestly, the goal is to be at the front in most races and I think that's an achievable task for me. Especially since the team is very strong, experienced and competitive. I want to show my speed, so I'm grateful to have the opportunity to fight for podiums at CFMOTO. »
Florian Prüstel, General manager : " I am happy that we will continue our joint project with CFMOTO in 2023. Over the past months, we have created a good and effective basis for cooperation, on the track but also off the track via appearances in international media and relations with the press or events at CFMOTO dealerships around the world. We are excited and proud of the global recognition and support from partners and fans, and we hope to be able to compete with both drivers in the Top10 and beyond in 2023 with our new driver constellation. We welcome Australian Joel Kelso as a new member of the team, who is currently in his rookie year and would like to develop his potential with us; he undoubtedly has the talent and speed to do it. At his side, we will continue with the Spaniard Xavier Artigas. We know his sporting abilities, Xavier has already proven it in the past with podiums and also a victory in Moto3™. For Xavier, it was a year of transition and learning to a new manufacturer. He remains in the top 12 and will do everything he can to move up a position or two this season. We want to start the 2023 season fully motivated and best prepared, and for this we will continue to work hard as the CFMOTO Racing PrüstelGP team. Thank you for your trust and support. »
