The 18 year old has impressed immensely in his very first MX2 campaign and after the factory team spotted talent and potential in the wake of some bright showings in the 2018 EMX250 European Championship. The Frenchman claimed his very first podium finish at the Grand Prix of Great Britain for the third round of nineteen. He has taken three top-three moto results from the fourteen outings to-date and is fighting for a top five slot in the series standings.
Vialle has used the power and handling of the KTM 250 SX-F to brilliant effect in learning the demands of the MX2 division. He has regularly started at the front of the field (three of the fourteen holeshots) together with teammate and world champion Jorge Prado: the Spaniard winning six of the seven Grands Prix this year so far.
With his calm manner, maturity and ability to handle pressure, Vialle has risen to the challenge of factory rider admirably and will continue his education and career with the Austrian crew for another two seasons.
Tom Vialle: “I’m very happy to extend my contract for another two years. I could not learn in a better way at this level than being surrounded by the best team. I have taken onboard so much already in just a few months. It is a pleasure to go racing every weekend with this team: Joel, Dirk, Valentina, Harri, Quentin and all the people that make the team happen. It really is a super place and I’m excited to continue working with them. A big thank you to all at KTM.”
Robert Jonas, Vice President of Offroad: “It’s exciting to be able to say Tom will be one of our MX2 riders for another two years. We are watching a young rider seize the chance he has been given and he has exceeded our expectations even before the halfway point of his first season. We believe there is a lot of potential ahead and – as well as the results and success – that is something we like to see. I’d like to thank the team, Joel, Dirk and everybody, for the work and the encouragement and all their experience to help Tom along the way. It proves that again we have a very competitive package and programme at the highest level of motocross.”
