Moto2: Forward announces new 'KLX' chassis project

Forward Racing has abandoned its planned FTR chassis and announced a new Kalex-based project for the 2014 Moto2 World Championship.

Absent from this week's opening official test of the year at Valencia, Forward will present its new Moto2 technical package at next week's Jerez test.

The chassis will be titled the 'Forward KLX' and is based on the 2013 Kalex.

As well as Moto2, Forward is running Aleix Espargaro and Colin Edwards in the premier MotoGP class, using FTR-Yamaha machinery under the new Open class rules - which the team says has inspired the Moto2 decision.

"We will face the coming Moto2 season with a new and innovative project," said Forward Racing managing director Marco Curioni. "We have applied our idea of the 'philosophy' of the Open category in MotoGP to the Moto2 class, choosing not to be tied to partnerships that don't give us the freedom that we need.

"We believe that the 2013 Kalex chassis still represents the best solution in Moto2, so we decided to buy it with the idea to complete it in those technical areas where we have seen space for improvements.

"We are working on several aspects such as the swing arm, the aerodynamics and the electronics, choosing the best that our partners can offer. This is our Forward KLX project, that reflects our vision of the Open class."

Simone Corsi and Mattia Pasini will race for Forward in Moto2 this year.

"I'm very happy with the opportunity of riding a Kalex 2013," said Corsi. "For sure this chassis will be competitive, considering that it was world champion last year. We decided not to test at Valencia last week in order to continue the development and be ready for Jerez test. I'm looking forward to ride the new machine."

Pasini added: "I'm very pleased to start the 2014 season with this new project. I'm determined and motivated to do my best to get important results. I look forward to the Jerez test and to work on the bike in preparation of the championship."

Forward's decision could mean that FTR is again left without a full time entry in the 2014 Moto2 world championship.