KTM sacks world champion

KTM has parted company with reigning 125cc world champion Arnaud Vincent, claiming the Frenchman will be ” released immediately from his contract. ”

Finnish rider Mika Kallio will replace Vincent for the Brno round on August 16, and will also ride for KTM for 2004.

” It has been very difficult to develop a brand new motorcycle around the expectations of the current world champion, ” reads a KTM statement. ” We decided to make this change due to the lack of progress in the team’s development. The new motorcycle is coming on well but the improvements have not been shown in the results and KTM hopes that the bike shows its true potential during the next races. ”

Vincent is currently 19th in the 125cc championship on 14 points, with his former KTM team-mate, Roberto Locatelli, 21st on seven points. The Italian rider will partner Kallio for the 2004 season.

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