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MotoGP, KTM decides: Binder promoted to the official team, Lecuona with Tech3

Following Zarco's departure, the Austrian manufacturer has decided to bet on two young rookies in 2020, alongside Pol Espargarò and Oliveira

MotoGP: KTM decides: Binder promoted to the official team, Lecuona with Tech3

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KTM has confirmed its riders for 2020. Following Zarco's departure, the Austrian manufacturer had to reorganise itself ahead of the new season. In the end, ready to flank Pol Espargaro on the factory team is rookie Brad Binder, who was initially meant to race in Tech3 colours.

Another rookie will join the French team, namely Spaniard Iker Lecuona, who will share the garage with Miguel Oliveira.

Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsport director, commented: “It was clear that our plans for 2020 needed to change following our mid-season announcement. After some thought and talks we decided to move in this direction and let the young, hungry guys with good experience in the other categories of MotoGP show us what they can do. Brad is a rider that has made his way through the KTM structure and we have no doubt whatsoever that he can walk into the Red Bull KTM team and keep showing that same style and never-give-up attitude we have seen for a long time. Iker comes into the Red Bull KTM Tech3 team and we’re super-confident that Hervé and his guys will be able to help and develop another rookie like they have done so well with Miguel this year. We know we are making good and exciting steps with our MotoGP project and with next season now fixed we can really start building up to this new chapter.”

Mike Leitner, Team Manager of Red Bull KTM, added: “I’m super-happy with the duo we have for 2020. We had a long discussion about it but finally I think it is a good decision that KTM made. In Pol we have a very strong rider who has made good results for us and we’ve seen in the other categories what Brad is capable of with our bikes. He is one of the young kids that has come through the rank. It will be a big challenge for him but I think he will have a great future in MotoGP.”

Hervé Poncharal, Team Principal of the Red Bull KTM Tech3 team,  stated: My feeling is that this is the strongest 2020 KTM line-up we could have hoped for. We want to have four riders with talent, passion, will and that they will stick to the project. Personally I am happy to work with a young and talented rookie like Iker. This is the way to go for the future and we have seen that the same approach has brought some success to other teams. Let’s start working on 2020: we have the technical support and we have the right people onboard. I believe we will take a big step next year with both Miguel in his second year and Iker keen to show us what he can do.”

Translated by Heather Watson
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