JOSEP GARCIA TO RACE NEXT-GEN KTM 250EXC-F

Red Bull KTM’s Josep Garcia will switch to the Enduro1 category for his 2023 FIM EnduroGP World Championship assault. His weapon of choice will be a KTM 250EXC-F. From the images released, Garcia’s race bike looks very much like it’s a new-gen 2024-model EXC-F, which is widely expected to be based on the 2023 SX platform.

Josep Garcia: “I can’t wait to get my 2023 season underway. After switching to the KTM 250EXC-F for this year, I’ve done a lot of preparation over the winter to get ready for this new challenge. I have been working really hard, both on and off the bike, and I feel I’m better prepared than ever to fight for the championship in EnduroGP and of course the Spanish championship.

“As we saw last year, a 250 is definitely capable of fighting for victory in the overall EnduroGP class, and I feel the bike really suits my style, too. I’ve been working a lot with the team and I think we’ve definitely got the bike dialed in well but the real proof will come when we start racing. My goal for this year is of course to fight for wins and ultimately the championship. To do that, I know I have to stay healthy and injury-free for the whole season. I definitely had the pace last year to fight for the EnduroGP title, but missing one full round due to injury was just too much when things are so tight in the fight for the crown.

“Racing at the highest level of enduro is made so much easier by having the right people around me, and everyone at Red Bull KTM Factory Racing is like family to me. Having such a good relationship with the team is definitely key when it comes to fighting for a championship. The first real test for me and the team comes this weekend at round one of the Spanish Enduro Championship. Hopefully with a strong start there we can build momentum and make the best possible start to the world championship at the end of March.”

Fabio Farioli – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Enduro Team Manager: “The team’s plans for 2023 are to develop the new bike and put it on top of the podium. We’ll be participating in EnduroGP, the ISDE, the Spanish Enduro Championship, and some other classic races. Josep has switched from E2 to E1 this year to give him new motivation and to attack to EnduroGP with a smaller bike, which is a better fit for his style. The decision was taken together between us and the rider, with the final decision coming from Josep. The feeling within the team is great, and that helps even when there is a lot of work to do – developing a new bike for example. But we have always had a good technical base and advanced starting point from the company, so that makes our life easier. The goals for 2023 are to win everything – EnduroGP, E1, the Six Days, and the Spanish Championship! We won’t be happy until we have achieved the whole list.”

Watch Josep in action on the KTM 250EXC-F below.