KTM confirms five bikes for Moto2 in 2018

KTM has offically confirmed it will expand to five machines for its second season in the Moto2 World Championship.

Having focussed on its own factory team in 2017, claiming five podiums so far with Miguel Oliveira, the Austrian company will add three further bikes for CGBM Evolution (currently running under the Interwetten banner) in 2018.

Interwetten are presently battling for the Moto2 title with Thomas Luthi, on Kalex machinery. The Swiss rider will step up to MotoGP next season, with CGBM Evolution so far announcing Sam Lowes and Iker Lecona for two of their three seats. 

"We are very happy with this partnership in Moto2 with CGBM Evolution as it takes KTM further into Moto2 with another strong team, as our Moto2 customer service progresses similar to what we have done in Moto3," said Jens Hainbach, KTM Motorsport Vice President of Road Racing & WP.

"We've had a cooperation with CGBM for some years supplying WP Suspension with success and race wins so we know their work ethic already.

"We like this work ethic; it's a good fits with ours. Sam Lowes is confirmed as riding, who knows how to win in Moto2, so we are very much looking forward to the future in Moto2."

Fred Corminboeuf, Team Manager of CGBM Evolution, added: “I’m really excited about this step in the history of CGBM Evolution. I remember when we brought suspension system specialist WP Suspension, who’s already a long-term partner of KTM, to Moto2. The change to KTM is a strategic step for us.”

Oliveira and Brad Binder will continue at the KTM factory team in 2018.