A former Grand Prix winner, 25 year old Nunn is one of Britain’s top riders and finished eighth in the 2004 MX2 World Championship. He inherits the 125cc two-stroke works saddle vacated by ’04 runner-up Tyla Rattray as the South African moves onto the Championship-winning 250cc four-stroke. Nunn will also be looking to secure his first senior British Championship on the machine, having claimed the number two plate this year.
Bill, 21 years old from Geneva, is a seven times Swiss national champion in a variety of categories, including Supercross honours in 2003. Last year the youngster impressed with fifty-four points taken from three MX1 World Championship appearances for KTM at Italy, France and Belgium. He now forms a determined back-up to Demaria and Breugelmans in the factory’s aim to continue their strong presence in the MX3 class. KTM’s other riders include Ben Townley, Kenneth Gundersen and Steve Ramon in MX1 with Marc De Reuver and Tyla Rattray in MX2.
Carl Nunn: “This is an unbelievable opportunity. When the RTT Honda team folded a few months ago I was panicking because it was late to get another deal, I thought that I might have to go to America. I heard that KTM were interested in me earlier in the season and thankfully they came calling again. They want to restart the 125cc programme and didn’t have another suitable rider so I jumped at the chance. I was able to ride the factory 125 at the Cardiff SX, it had an indoor set-up but was like a rocket compared to the standard practice bike I had been using. The two-stroke has proved to be one of the best bikes at Grand Prix level and now it is up to me to show what I can do with the right equipment. I want to be going for the top five at least. Expectations will be high but I know that I should be there.”
Kees Van Der Ven (Champ KTM Team Manager): “I think Carl joining the team is the perfect situation for KTM. We were trying to find someone proven and of high quality for the two-stroke and it wasn’t that easy. Now we have an experienced Grand Prix rider and it has worked out very well for KTM in terms of the UK and with the strength of the team.”
Julien Bill: “Next season will be a great opportunity for me. I will be team-mate to Yves, who is a great rider with a lot of experience. As well as being the World Champion he is also a really nice guy so it should be good. Having the factory bikes is important and I have already made some tests two weeks ago, which went well. It is easy to go fast with the KTM. I will be making some appearances in MX1 in 2005 but I am not sure which Grand Prix just yet. My aims for 2005 will be to finish in the MX3 top three; I believe this is what KTM expect also. I want to win some motos and hopefully a GP.”
Info KTM-Sportmotorcycle AG – Photo (C) Mx2k.com
