The KTM Group has further expanded its influence in international road racing by becoming the official machinery supplier of the new Northern Talent Cup. The initiative to showcase potential stars from Northern Europe was announced during the HJC Helmets Grand Prix of Germany at the Sachsenring.
The Northern Talent Cup will attract 24 riders (the first year in 2020) aged 12 to 17 for a series of seven rounds with identical bikes at a bargain price, with at least two running alongside MotoGP events. The project will complement the other elements of Dorna's development structure, but with a focus on junior prospects from northern and central Europe.
KTM will supply the KTM RC4R 250cc four-stroke which will be developed and fixed for several years in terms of technical specifications.
For the company, this means even greater penetration into the world of international road racing and a more crucial role in the “Road of MotoGP”. KTM has already supported the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup with extremely competitive KTM RC250 R motorcycles since 2012, and is now in its thirteenth season. The NTC's brightest riders will be promoted to the Red Bull Rookies Cup the following year, after which the FIM CEV Junior World Championship or a direct move to the Moto3 Grand Prix will await them.
As a result of their official collaboration with the Northern Talent Cup, KTM could see a Grand Prix star born from the very first professional rounds on a world championship circuit, then progress through the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup and Moto3, Moto2 , then one of the Red Bull KTM MotoGP teams at the top of the competition.
Pete Beirer, Director of KTM Motorsport: “First of all, we are very proud to have been selected by Dorna Sports and ADAC as a partner for the new Northern Talent Cup as part of the Road to MotoGP™. It is a great pleasure to work with talented young riders and KTM does this successfully in other racing disciplines. We share the view that an easy entry-level bike has been lacking in the past, and we are happy to provide the right machine for young riders with ambitions to reach the Moto3 category. This is particularly true when it comes to maintenance, operation and cost containment. It was important to offer optimal value for money. We look forward to the launch of the Northern Talent Cup with motivated drivers and spirited racing. I am sure that this concept will find and produce new talents from northern and central Europe for road racing.”
