Barragan joins KTM's 2006 factory MX1 line-up.

Fast emerging Spanish talent Jonathan Barragan has signed to partner Marc de Reuver in the official Red Bull KTM squad for the 2006 MX1 Motocross World Championship.

The 20-year-old KTM stalwart has impressed with some surprising results this term during his debut MX1 campaign (one moto podium in Sweden and five top four positions in Zolder, Great Britain, Italy, France and South Africa) and today inked a one-year agreement to join the KTM works effort for the 15 round 2006 series.

"I'm really happy with this deal," said the former national 125cc Champion from Madrid. "This is has been a dream of mine for a long time now; many seasons. We have been talking for the last few weeks and now that everything is confirmed I believe that 2006 could be a fantastic year for me. I will be a part of the factory team and I just want to do my best for them."

"Jonathan has come to the fore this season with some good performances and he deserves a chance in the factory team," explained KTM Sport Director Kurt Nicoll. "We had him first with the junior set-up and he has been a part of KTM supported teams for the last few years so it shows that we do like to spot and bring talent through.

"From a company viewpoint Spain is firmly established as one of our three main markets and the fastest growing sector so it is a great bonus for us to have a Spanish rider with so much potential," he admitted.

It is likely that Barragan and De Reuver will be joined by a third member of the MX1 crew. News of any signings, as well as confirmation of the MX2 line-up, will be made shortly.