Searle, Swanepoel sign for Molson Kawasaki.

Two of Molson Kawasaki's 2006 seats have now been taken following the news that South African Gareth Swanepoel has been retained to ride alongside new British Under 21 champion Tommy Searle in next year's MX2 World Championship.

16-year-old Searle - whose ultimate goal is to race in the US based AMA championships - has already proved to be a GP contender by qualifying and gaining points at the British GP earlier this year, then confirmed his talent when he went on to qualify for his second ever GP at the Isle of Wight.

"Tommy is a great asset to our team. He has already wrapped up the U21 title with a round to go and has posted a stellar twelve straight wins - a record in itself," said Molson team manger Lisa Church. "Tommy is dedicated to his sport and goals and I foresee him making great steps in the next year. Our goal is to help him learn as fast as possible in the tough world of GP racing but I have no doubt he will hold is own with the big boys."

"I am really pleased about signing with Molson Kawasaki," smiled Searle. "I am motivated to ride GPs next year, stay consistent and score some points and hopefully get top ten results. I'm going to train in the US this winter and my goal is to finish top three in the British champs next year.

"If I train I hard I think I can do it because this year I'm not that far off and I'll be a little bit stronger next year. I'm looking forward to riding the new KX250F and we will hopefully be able to get some extra testing done in the states," he added.

Meanwhile, Swanepoel has also been re-signed, following an impressive end of season run that has seen him a regular top ten contender despite the 20-year-old missing the first three GPs due to a shoulder injury.

"Gareth has a lot of potential and his injury at the start of the year was unfortunate," said Church. "He is starting to show us what he is really capable of and I hope that he can make 2006 his breakthrough year. Gareth will most certainly be a candidate for the British title next year and we are pleased to have him under the Molson Kawasaki tent for another year."

With one GP and the MX of Nations still to go, 'Swanie' is focussed on making steady progress. He will switch to the all new Kawasaki 450F when he represents his country in the MX1 class against the likes of Ricky Carmichael, Josh Coppins and Stefan Everts in Ernee France on the 24/25 September.

"I would like to thank Lisa and the Molson Team for keeping their faith in me," declared explained Swanepoel after inking his deal. "It's been a tough year trying to catch up and I'm still far from where I would like to be.

"I look forward to riding the all-aluminium perimeter framed KX250f. I hear the bike is really awesome and even more powerful than before. I'll also be riding the new KX450F in France which I'm really looking forward to. I tested the bike at an international race a few weeks ago and it held its own against the factory bikes," he added.