Husqvarna returns to the World Motocross Championship in 2014 with ICE1 Racing and Wilvo Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing.
Husqvarna is back. Husqvarna is pleased to announce that it is set to make a welcome return to top-level motocross in 2014. Husqvarna, the pioneer of Motocross, will field two factory-backed teams, one in the MXGP class and one in the MX2 World Championship. Each team will feature two riders.
For Husqvarna, the decision to return to the World Motocross Championship was an easy one to make. As one of the world’s oldest motorcycle manufacturers it is a brand steeped in off-road history. Dominating the Golden Era of motocross between 1960 and 1970, the then Swedish manufacturer built its iconic reputation. Collecting countless race wins and titles with legendary riders such as Torsten Hallman, Rolf Tibblin, Bengt Aberg, Malcolm Smith, Heikki Mikkola, Husqvarna ruled the track with purpose built motocross bikes.
Utilising every available resource, Husqvarna will use cutting-edge technology as it begins to re-establish itself as one of the leading manufacturers in motocross. With the direction of the Swedish brand now mapped out, Husqvarna will be represented in both classes of the 2014 World Motocross Championship with factory teams ICE1 Racing in MXGP and the Wilvo Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing in MX2.
“The decision to work with ICE1 Racing and the Jacky Martens’ racing team was simple,” confirms Pit Beirer, KTM’s Director of Motorsport. “Both are already proven as two of the most professional and driven outfits in the race paddock. With their input it’s clear that Husqvarna will be back racing in a very serious and concerted manner, ensuring future champions will be added to the list of greats like Hallman, Smith and Mikkola.”
Representing Husqvarna in the prestigious MXGP class will be ICE1 Racing. Highly motivated and with a solid infrastructure already in place, the team makes a perfect fit in pushing forward with the Husqvarna brand. Team owner Kimi Räikkönen has been enthusiastic about this new challenge from the very beginning and together with the racing experience of team manager Antti Pyrhonen they are eager to achieve great success.
“Getting the opportunity to work closely with Husqvarna is an honour,” comments Pyrhonen. “Their faith in us shows that we’re entirely serious about what we do. I’m looking forward to the exciting times that lie ahead.”
As a former World Motocross Champion with Husqvarna, it’s fitting that Jacky Martens’ Wilvo Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing team will represent Husqvarna in MX2. His wealth of experience and ability to bring young, talented riders to the forefront of motocross is invaluable. For that reason alone, Husqvarna is proud to announce him as manager of the 2014 MX2 Wilvo Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing.
“This is a special moment for me,” confirms Martens. “I am excited to begin this new era with Husqvarna – the very brand I became a world champion with. As always we will try our utmost to achieve the best possible results.”
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