The 2020 Husqvarna Moto3 machine
This is the first look at the machine that will return the Husqvarna name to the Moto3 grid, in 2020.
The picture, reproduced with permission from speedweek.com, shows the FR250GP with which Max Biaggi's new Sterilgarda line-up of Romano Fenati and Alonso Lopez will hope to fight for next year's title.
Husqvarna is owned by KTM and, just as during the 2014 and 2015 Moto3 seasons with Ajo and Laglisse, next year's Husky Moto3 bike is set to be a rebadged version of the KTM.
While offering instant marketing benefits the downside of such a strategy is that, although it's the same bike, both brands will probably be listed separately in the constructors' standings (as was the case in 2014-'15, and also with Mahindra/Peugeot).
But by splitting their points between two brands, it will be even harder for KTM/Husqvarna to topple Honda in the manufacturers' standings.
Either way, the future goal is for the Husqvarna Moto3 design to diverge from the KTM.
"In the medium term, we want to build a custom structure for Husqvarna, perhaps as early as 2021," said KTM CEO Stefan Pierer.
The Moto3 return is all part of KTM's strategy to expand the Husqvarna name, which (like KTM) is renowned in the off-road world, into a street brand.
"We want to establish [Husqvarna], after KTM and BMW, as the third-largest motorcycle manufacturer in Europe", Pierer added.
"It took us five years for KTM to get our street models off the ground. We will also have the necessary patience with our second brand Husqvarna," said KTM board member Hubert Trunkenpolz.
Husqvarna's best Moto3 result was third place, twice for Danny Kent during the 2014 season and once for Isaac Vinales in 2015.
KTM's most recent Moto3 champion is Brad Binder in 2016.
Honda has won 13 of this year's Moto3 races, compared with five victories for KTM.