The Wilvo Nestaan JM Racing KTM team has extended its contract with promising French rider Romain Febvre for another year. The pleasant collaboration between the parties as well as the fine results achieved resulted in a situation where the parties did not have to think twice before signing on the dotted line. Romain had already achieved two podium finishes at GP races this year, and before injury intervened, he was holding down a strong third position in the world championship standings. He will participate in the MX2 world championships again in 2014 and his sights are set on the world title.
Team manager Jacky Martens. “Romain is a great rider, and we believe that we are giving him a level of opportunity that he has never had before. We noticed his potential during the course of last year, and after an intensive winter training program, he achieved spectacular results at the start of this season. He has made spectacular progress in a short time, and at the GP of Thailand he was involved in a spectacular battle with Jeffrey Herlings during the qualifying heat. We are still honing his skills, and we are very fortunate at having been able to secure his services for 2014. Thanks to the hard work of our team, our structure is at optimal level now, and the support of Wilvo, Nestaan and KTM has accelerated our efforts. We have had several top world championship contenders in the past, but we honestly believe that with Romain we have a true title contender. Having concluded the agreement early, we can now focus on our preparation for his return. Injuries are of course never pleasant, but unfortunately they are part of the game, and we are determined to go for the best possible results when he returns. A few podium finishes would not be out of place, and the ultimate goal is a GP victory of course. “
Romain was injured during a training session after the GP of the Netherlands at Valkenswaard. He broke his fibula, which necessitated an operation. This has ruled him out for a protracted period, and effectively smothered his aspirations for a top 3 overall placing in the 2013 world championship series.
Romain Febvre was equally pleased with the turn of events: ” My leg is improving every day. It will be another four weeks or so before I can commence riding again. It has been a long lay-off for me, but unfortunately there is nothing I can do about it. I was offered a contract by Jacky, Kay and Louis at the GP of Valkenswaard. I was really pleased with this, since I work closely with the team and trust them. There is no reason for me to change teams. On Thursday evening I signed the contract, and I look forward to my return with great anticipation. My goal is to aim for the world title with the support of my team. I was in third place in the world standings before my injury, and I am confident that with good preparation we can fight for top honours. I trust my team, my trainer and my mechanic, and had no hesitation in extending the contract with them.”
The Wilvo Nestaan JM Racing KTM team will participate in the sixth round of the world championships this weekend at Agueda, Portugal. Jake Nicholls will again fight for podium honours and will go all out to close the gap on the riders ahead of him in the world championship standings.