KTM to build 250, Stoner set to graduate.

125cc GP manufacturer KTM has announced that it will also be the entering the 250cc world championship next season, and that current rider Casey Stoner is expected to graduate back up to the quarter-litre class with them.

The news was officially confirmed at the Czech Republic Grand Prix by Stefan Pierer, managing director of KTM Sportmotorcycle AG, where it was made clear that - with only limited time available before the start of next season - the team's first year will be largely focused on testing.

"Nobody can build a winning bike behind closed doors, so we will follow our successful philosophy of developing bikes under hardest conditions. This can only be in the Road Race World Championship. At the moment it looks like Casey Stoner (middle pic) is committed to developing this project along with KTM," read a KTM statement.

"Concerning the 125cc class, Mr. Pierer defined our clear target for the coming season. Following the entry season in 2003 and our success this year, we want to fight for the World Championship crown in 2005. At the moment we have not defined the riders that will take to the 125cc start line," the statement added.

Stoner - who raced a 250cc Aprilia in 2002 - has handed KTM their first 125 GP pole position and three podium finishes this season, his first on the orange machines, but has been ruled out of the title fight by injury.

The Aussie's realistic target is now to take KTM's first victory in the six remaining rounds. Mika Kallio is Stoner's current team-mate, but has struggled to match Casey's pace.

Meanwhile, as in the 125cc class, Aprilia and Honda will be KTM's main obstacle to 250cc GP success.