Pit Beirer
It is not so much about increasing KTM's presence in the paddock; it's much more about training young athletes and preparing them for the big leap into the factory team. In the meantime it's become very expensive to get into the sport and there are not many who are able to afford to compete in the world championships. With our program we want to show that it's possible to get to the top through good results and a start in the world championship is not just about having plenty of money.
Q:
I hear you worked closely with the KTM motor sports representatives in the individual countries to choose riders for the five supported teams. Is that correct and what qualities were you looking for in the riders?
Pit Beirer
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our managing directors from our country subsidiaries. We would not be able to find these great talents without their help and their skill at having the right eye to pick them out. The qualities we look for are simple. We want guys who really have the passion for the sport, that have a big heart and the will to work towards the big target.
Q:
Looking at the very young riders - for example in the GP Juniors Team Champ (Jeremy van Horebeek and Joel Roelants): how were these guys selected and what makes them stand out as being ready to race at this level?
Pit Beirer
These two are a wonderful mix from our junior structures. Joel was discovered by Jacky Martens and he already took care of him for us in the European Championship. Jeremy was discovered by Kees van de Ven and he rode to podium places in his first year. It is only because of these structures that we have these young guys in our line of vision, otherwise maybe we would not have seen them until it was too late.
Q:
What would you expect from them in the first year?
Pit Beirer
If they could ride regularly in the top ten of the world, we would be very happy.
Q:
Some of the teams are new and it will be a chance for young riders to gain a footing in top class racing. But Jonathan Barragan will be riding in MX1 for Team Silver Action and so will Marcus Schiffer (Team Sarholz). So here are two riders who could challenge
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Rider Max Nagl. Will any of these three riders be title contenders in MX1?
Pit Beirer
I am really sure that Jonathan and Max will be regular guests on the world championship podium but it would be presumptuous to talk about the world championship title at this stage. I think we should use this year to perfectly position the team for the future and in 2009 a young rider from our own juniors program will then fight for the MX1 title!
