Moto3: Iwema returns with RW Racing

By Lisa Lewis

Jasper Iwema has signed for RW Racing for the 2013 season.

The only Dutch rider in the paddock thus joins forces with a team from the Netherlands after an unsuccessful season with Moto FGR, which saw Iwema opting to depart before the Japanese Grand Prix after a string of disappointing results and crashes.

An early ray of hope, a seventh in the rain of Le Mans, was to be his only points finish, although it was also his highest placed result since his full time grand prix debut in 2009.

RW Racing GP have enjoyed a highly competitive season with Luis Salom who is certain of a top-three finish in the championship, before moving to Red Bull KTM next year.

Iwema is excited to join a team from his home country and promises an extra special race when the season reaches their home Assen circuit:

"Except for my seventh place in Le Mans this season has not brought me the results I had been hoping for," he said. "With this in mind it is extra special to sign a contract for the coming season before the year has even ended with a team like this: competitive, working with top class material and personnel and on top of it all a Dutch team, from my own area. I can already promise right now the Dutch TT, in our own back yard, will be a super special party."

Team owner Roelof Waninge added: "One of our goals has always been to give Dutch talent a chance. Therefore it is great a group of people have come together now with the same goal: to give Dutch motorsports a boost. Together with our team we will do our very best to bring talented Dutch riders to the top."

This sentiment was also echoed by team manager and former grand prix racer Johan Stigefelt:

"Jasper has had a difficult season, but we believe he has a lot more potential than what he could show. It is good for Dutch motor racing this team and this rider have found each other. Together we will do our very best to have a successful season."

Iwema will be joined by Czech Jakub Kornfeil, who was also his team-mate as at Ongetta in 2011 in the former 125cc class. Both riders will have a Kalex KTM at their disposal.