West signs for KTM 250.

Red Bull KTM has announced that Anthony West will be the team's only rider for their debut season in the 250cc world championship.

The 23-year-old has emerged as one of the brightest talents in grand prix racing over the past two seasons, thanks to his impressive efforts on privateer bikes.

West won the Dutch TT at Assen in 2003 with a superb wet weather performance and during the 2004 season regularly finished ahead of rivals on full factory bikes.

After starting his career in junior dirt-track racing and winning two national titles in Australia, West made his grand prix debut as 125cc wild card in the Australian GP at Phillip Island in 1998.

He moved to the 250cc class in 1999 on a Honda was sixth in the 2000 world championship. West raced one season, 2001, as a privateer on a Honda v-twin in the 500cc world championship.

The KTM 250 is currently being designed and developed by Austrian engineer and race team manager Harald Bartol, who will supervise both the 125 and 250cc teams next season.

"KTM is delighted to have secured the services of Anthony West as we embark on the new 250cc project," said Bartol. "Anthony is a talented and committed rider who brings a great deal of experience to our team.

"The 250cc bike will be a development project for 2005 although in the second half of the season we hope to have a competitive bike on which Anthony can challenge the top riders," he added.

West is currently recovering from injuries sustained during a high-speed practice fall at the Australian Grand Prix (pictured).