Red Bull KTM sign Red Bull Rookies Champion Hanika
Red Bull KTM Ajo, thave signed the 2013 Red Bull Rookies Cup champion Karel Hanika for next season’s Moto3 World Championship.
The 17-year-old Czech rider impressed last season, and took three wins, but he has gone one step further this season, and gone on to win six of this seasons twelve races, winning the title with two races remaining.
“Moving up to the Moto3 World Championship with Red Bull KTM Ajo is a dream for me,” said Hanika.
“In my opinion this is the best team in the series and a perfect opportunity for me. I have to make the most of this unique chance.
“I don’t want to set goals for my first season in the World Championship, because it is still early, but I hope to have as much success as possible. I can’t wait for the first preseason tests and my first meeting with the team. The feeling about next season couldn’t be better.”
Hanika couldn’t be moving into a better equpied team, with Aki Ajo’s team challenging for it’s second title in as many years. He also follows in the footsteps of Danny Kent and Arthur Sissis in moving from the Red Bill Rookies into to Ajo’s Red Bull backed Moto3 team.
“We are very happy to bring Karel to Red Bull KTM Ajo,” said team manager Ajo.
“He is a very talented young rider, who has had great races in the Red Bull Rookies Cup both this season and last season. Karel follows in the footsteps of Danny Kent and Arthur Sissis, moving from the Red Bull Rookies Cup to the World Championship with us.
“It is an honour for Red Bull KTM Ajo to have these young riders coming through, with their desire to work hard and learn after their time in that magnificent competition. I know that Karel is very motivated for next year, and that is the most important thing.
“After this announcement, the team will return our focus on our fight for the Moto3 title this season.”
Hanika will join Aussie Jack Miller in the Ajo team next season, with Luis Salom moving up, there are seemingly two current riders fighting for one seat in Arthur Sissis and Zulfahmi Khairuddin.