Promising Belgian star Sacha Coenen will become Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s third driver in the 2023 FIM MX2 Motocross World Championship after confirming a multi-year KTM contract.
The soon-to-be 16-year-old (Nov. 9), who will be driving a factory KTM 250 SX-F next season with Andrea Adamo and Liam Everts, has given the 2022 European Championship his natural pace and focus. People are impressed with the game.
Coenen and his twin brother Lucas will make their MXGP debut next year. Recruited by Team Orange, he will use 2023 to develop his skills, racing skills and physique to the highest level. Sacha will oversee his development alongside compatriot and former multi-world champion Joel Smets. In just four seasons from 2019 to 2022, Smets led two-time MX2 #1 EMX contender Tom Vialle to two championships.
Coenen can also rely on the experience of the new Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager, Tony Cairoli, as the team will now consist of four riders. Jeffrey Herlings will be the only competitor in the KTM 450 SX-F MXGP class.
KTM’s newest star is the 2021 EMX125 Series moto champion and scoring in the 2022 EMX250 while still waiting for his 15th birthday. He could eventually follow Herlings, Jorge Prado and Vialle as Red Bull KTM’s full-time Grand Prix rookie, the latter of whom went on to win gold.
Sacha Coenen: “This a dream come true for me! I’m so happy to be joining Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. I have been riding the stock 2023 KTM 250 SX-F and love it so far and really like the power. I’m looking forward to working with Joel because I’m sure he can bring some things to my program that I don’t have. I know I have a lot to learn but I want to have fun and do as well as I can.”
Joel Smets, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Trainer: “It is almost insane how much energy and motivation Sacha has, and, at the moment, he is the smaller of the twins! I don’t think I have ever seen so much determination and dedication for someone who is still so young. He still needs to grow physically and professionally and we need to work on the balance between his desire and his abilities. It will be a big challenge to guide all that energy…but we are really looking forward to it.”